NC Cosplay/TikTok Repossessor Charged With Murder In DUI Death Crash
A repossession agent with a controversial online presence and a criminal history has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that claimed the life of former Dublin Fire Chief Jimmy “Pete” Batton.
The deadly collision occurred on the morning of Saturday, May 24, on Highway 41 in Bladen County, just west of Dublin, North Carolina. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Batton, 68, was stopped on the highway waiting to turn left onto Robin Lane when his SUV was struck from behind by a tow truck.
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The truck was driven by 29-year-old Kirkland McCary Pusey Smith of Bladenboro, who was working as a repossession agent at the time. Investigators say Smith failed to reduce his speed before crashing into the rear of Batton’s vehicle. Batton died at the scene. Smith suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
Trooper Schmale confirmed that Smith was impaired during the crash. He has since been arrested and charged with felony second-degree murder without regard and misdemeanor driving while impaired.
Court records show that Smith has a lengthy criminal record, including five felony convictions in the State of North Carolina over the past 10 years. A review of his public Facebook profile reveals that Smith has openly admitted to past struggles with drug addiction, raising further concerns about his fitness to perform repossession work—a job that involves high-risk interactions with the public and the operation of large vehicles.
Smith also maintains a TikTok channel where he uploads videos of his repossession work, many of which appear to violate consumer protection laws. Critics have condemned the channel as unprofessional and reckless, citing potential privacy violations and a general disregard for the dignity of those involved in the repossession process.
Smith made his first court appearance on May 30, where his bond was set at $5 million secured. As a condition of his release, he is prohibited from driving or consuming alcohol or drugs unless prescribed by a doctor. His next court date is scheduled for June 12.
Batton, a well-respected figure in the community, previously served as Dublin’s fire chief. His death has deeply affected those who knew him and the broader public safety community.
