Man Confesses To Killing Deputy In Rockville In 1971: Police

ROCKVILLE, MD - A man accused of killing a law enforcement officer more than half a century ago is behind bars, according to the Montgomery County Police Department.

Police said 71-year-old Larry David Smith (also known as Larry David Becker) is responsible for killing Montgomery County Special Deputy Sheriff Captain James Tappen Hall in 1971.

The police department announced Smith's arrest Wednesday.

On Saturday, Oct. 23, 1971, at approximately 10:40 p.m., Montgomery County Police officers were called to the Manor Country Club in the 14900 block of Carrolton Road in Rockville after witnesses reported a man lying face down in the southeast parking lot, according to police.

Officers arrived at the scene and located Captain Hall suffering from a gunshot wound.

Police said Hall was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries three days later.

Investigators said they believe that Hall interrupted a residential burglary in progress.

In Oct. 2021, during the 50th anniversary of Captain Hall’s homicide, detectives said they decided to review the case with a fresh set of eyes, according to the police department.

For almost a year, Detective K. Leggett and Corporal L. Killen of the Cold Case Unit, combed through case files, recordings, and interviewed witnesses.

Through the course of their investigation, Leggett and Killen narrowed in on one person, Larry David Smith (Becker). In 1973, police said Smith was interviewed by investigators but had not been labeled a suspect.

Detectives said they determined that around 1975, Becker began using the last name Smith, and had been living in Little Falls, New York for over 45-years.

On Thursday, Leggett and Killen said they interviewed Smith in New York.

During that interview, Smith admitted to shooting Captain Hall, police said.

On Thursday, detectives said they applied for and received an arrest warrant, charging Smith with murder. Smith was then arrested in New York for Captain Hall’s murder.

Smith has waived his extradition and is expected to return to Maryland by the end of the week.

This is an ongoing investigation and detectives are asking anyone with information regarding Larry David Smith’s involvement in this homicide, to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070 or contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous.

To date, Deputy Sheriff Captain Hall’s case is the oldest cold case solved by the department, the police department said.