Man Beaten to Death With Golf Club

(Hillsboro, MO.) A man from Hillsboro, 27 year old Nicholas Smoot, is facing charges of second degree murder, armed criminal action, and domestic assault after he allegedly beat his father, 53 year old Eric Smoot, to death with a golf club. A press release from Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak indicates Smoot was about to attack a woman during a domestic dispute inside the family's home when his father intervened. The release shows Eric Smoot later died at a hospital from his injuries. Nicholas Smoot is also believed to have assaulted his live-in girlfriend, causing injuries to her face and arms. A witness told investigators the elder Smoot tried to stop his son’s attack on the woman. That’s when Nicholas Smoot allegedly turned his attacks on his father. Nicholas Smoot is being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond.