It’s been nearly three months since the TNT television show “Cold Justice” aired on national television hoping to help Bridgeport Police solve a near decade-old murder case. Despite an arrest yet to take place in the murder of 67-year-old Kyle Smith, Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker still believes who was responsible will be brought to justice.

 

“I am still confident that will get an arrest as a result of the show and our own work,” Walker said.

 

Smith was killed July 12, 2006 at his home on 110 East Philadelphia Avenue. The residence where he was found dead has since been demolished. Until recently, few details – including how Smith was killed – were released to the public. The preview for the show revealed, for the first time, that Smith was “beaten and stabbed to death.”

 

The Bridgeport Police Chief publicly brought up the case during Monday’s Bridgeport City Council meeting. The discussion took place during Walker’s annual department report to the city’s governing body.

 

“The (Smith) case is still being actively pursued. We’ve identified the suspect, but don’t have the pieces to put it all together … We won’t stop until the case is solved.”

 

Prior to the airing of “Cold Justice,” which sees investigators go back over evidence and re-interview individuals in hopes of solving the case, more than just how Smith was killed was far from general public knowledge. Once the show began, however, everything - including two suspects and ultimately the prime suspect – became public knowledge.

 

The suspects included Karl “KB” Kyle and his son Karl E. Kyle, relatives of Kyle Smith. Both were interviewed on the show and shown on camera. Eventually, Karl E. Kyle was determined by the show to be the prime suspect.

 

Although there was some additional activity following the show, Walker said there hasn’t been much new information that has come to the forefront in some time, he said. That still doesn’t discourage Walker in his thought that there will be an arrest sooner as opposed to later.

 

“We’re working closely with the (Harrison County) Prosecuting Attorney’s office on this one,” Walker told Council.

 

Walker said meetings since the show and any meetings in the future with the staff of Prosecuting Attorney Rachel Romano is the result of turning over additional information. He also said they will meet with Romano and/or her staff following any new interviews relating to the case.

 

“There’s been nothing new as of late,” said Walker. “As always, we welcome public support and any information they may have.”

 

Individuals that may have information can call 304-842-8260. Individuals can also anonymously call the tip line at 304-842-6149.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Chief John Walker addressing Council during Monday's meeting, while the late Kyle Smith is shown in the middle photo. Bottom photo shows the two suspects, Karl “KB” Kyle, left, and his son Karl E. Kyle, who was later determined on the show to be the prime suspect.