Disgraced Agent’s Murder Case Trial Coming This Fall (Update)
Nearly 15 months after a North Carolina repossessor was charged with second-degree murder following a fatal crash that claimed the life of former Dublin Fire Chief Jimmy “Pete” Batton, the case has taken a significant step forward.
As first reported by Repo Buzz in our original coverage, Kirkland McCary Pusey Smith was charged following the May 24, 2025 crash on N.C. Highway 41 in Bladen County. Investigators allege Smith, who was operating a tow truck at the time of the collision, struck Batton’s vehicle from behind as Batton slowed to make a left turn. Batton died at the scene.
Since our initial report, Repo Buzz has reviewed newly available North Carolina court records that provide a clearer picture of where the prosecution stands.
The case has now been transferred from Bladen County to Brunswick County Superior Court following a change of venue. While the court’s transfer order has not yet been reviewed by Repo Buzz, the official Register of Actions confirms that all related matters have been reassigned to Brunswick County.
According to the court filings, Smith remains charged with Second-Degree Murder Without Regard under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-17(b). In addition, prosecutors continue to pursue a charge of Felony Death by Vehicle, along with companion charges of Reckless Driving to Endanger and Failure to Reduce Speed arising from the same incident.
The transferred court records also include a separate Habitual Felon indictment. Under North Carolina law, habitual felon status is not a separate criminal offense but a sentencing enhancement that may apply if the State proves the required prior felony convictions and the defendant is convicted of a qualifying felony. The court docket does not identify the prior convictions supporting that allegation, and Repo Buzz is seeking the underlying indictment and related court records.
Also transferred with the case are two traffic infractions alleging Failure to Wear a Seat Belt and Unsafe Tires. The court records do not indicate whether the alleged tire condition played any role in the collision, and no conclusions should be drawn beyond the fact that the citations were issued as part of the investigation.
One procedural question remains unanswered. Initial reports following Smith’s arrest indicated he had also been charged with Driving While Impaired. While the transferred Superior Court files reviewed by Repo Buzz contain the murder charge, felony death by vehicle, habitual felon allegation, traffic offenses, and equipment infractions, a corresponding transferred DWI case has not yet been located. That may simply reflect how the case was processed through the court system, and Repo Buzz will continue reviewing court records before drawing any conclusions.
The Brunswick County docket now sets an administrative hearing for October 5, 2026, with jury selection and trial scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026, unless the court grants a continuance.
As this case moves closer to trial, Repo Buzz intends to continue following every significant development. We are working to obtain the change-of-venue order, grand jury indictments, additional court filings, and other public records to provide readers with fact-based updates as they become available.
Readers who missed our original coverage can find it here: “NC Cosplay TikTok Repossessor Charged with Murder in DUI Death Crash.”
Repo Buzz will continue monitoring the case through trial and report on new filings, motions, evidentiary rulings, and courtroom proceedings as they occur.
