Ventura – The Smith Murder Location

For several months now, our friend Bill Harticon has been traveling to the different East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer attack sites and snapping amazing photos. These pictures have been instrumental in helping many of us visualize areas that we’re not able to visit in-person.

In March of 1980, peace in Ventura County was shattered when Lyman and Charlene Smith were found murdered in their home. The crime is an outlier in a few ways, one of which is overall location. These photos by Bill Harticon tell some of the story.

High Point Drive | The Smiths murdered by East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer
The murders of Lyman and Charlene Smith occurred on this street, High Point Drive, in March 1980.
High Point Drive | The Smiths murdered by East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer
The house as you approach it.
High Point Drive | The Smiths murdered by East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer
The residence where the Smiths were murdered by the East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer.
High Point Drive | The Smiths murdered by East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer
A slightly different view of the house.
The Smiths murdered by East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer
The church across the street seemed to be the focal point of some strange burglaries and prowling in the days before and even AFTER the murders.
The Smiths murdered by East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer
It’s possible that the killer staged his attack from this area.
The Smiths murdered by East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer
Located across the street. Even now, this area is quite dark at night.
The Smiths murdered by East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer
This foliage probably wasn’t nearly this thick during the timeframe of the murders, but it gives you an idea of the type of cover that might’ve been found, even in such a hilly, exposed terrain.