A man from Tyler, Texas, identified as Steven Alexander Smith, 42, has been given a life sentence with no provision for parole for the murders of two dentists.
Smith was sentenced on January 22, 2024, after he pleaded guilty to capital murder charges relating to the deaths of Dr. Blake G. Sinclair, 59, and Dr. Jack E. Burroughs, 75.
The grim event unfolded on March 16, 2022, at Affordable Dentures & Implants, a dental clinic in Tyler, Texas. Smith, a patient of the clinic, voiced his displeasure with his denture treatment, leading to a heated exchange. He was informed that he would no longer be a patient, which infuriated him.
Smith, described by staff as a “difficult patient,” tried to grab his dentures and pushed Dr. Burroughs to the floor. After leaving the clinic, he returned armed with a handgun and forced open the door as Dr. Burroughs attempted to lock it. Following a brief scuffle, Smith shot both Dr. Burroughs and Dr. Sinclair approximately five times, leading to their deaths at the hospital.
The perpetrator fled the crime scene but was later arrested by law enforcement at his residence.
Upon arrival, a deputy spotted Smith entering his driveway. A perimeter was quickly set up around his house, resulting in his surrender after his parents exited the residence.
Two handguns matching the caliber of the firearm used in the crime were found inside the house by authorities.
A nurse who worked with Smith during his dental procedure mentioned his dissatisfaction and how he made the staff uncomfortable, recalling his problematic behavior.
The sentencing of Smith to life in prison brings some measure of closure to the families of the victims.
Prior to the sentencing, the Smith County District Attorney’s Office had chosen not to seek the death penalty in this case, which led to Smith’s life sentence.