Regina Smith, the wife of the late Norman Smith, is a retired Dallas police officer, who played a key role in bringing Charles Albright—the notorious “Eyeball Killer”—to justice. This chilling case shook Dallas when a series of brutal murders targeted s** workers in the Oak Cliff neighborhood between 1988 and 1991. Smith was just a rookie when she first encountered the gruesome details, but her determination to find the truth drove her to help secure Albright’s conviction.
Smith started working with the Dallas Police Department back in 1988, right in the rough neighborhood of Oak Cliff. Things got intense when she found the body of Mary Pratt, a s** worker whose eyes had been horrifyingly removed. This was just the beginning of a string of similar murders.
Regina and her partner, John Matthews, jumped into the case and eventually nailed Charles Albright, a former teacher with a violent past. He was convicted in 1991. Regina’s hard work paid off as she climbed the ranks, becoming a Detective in 1993 and a Sergeant by 1999. The story has returned to the spotlight with Lifetime’s dramatized film, ‘Searching for a Serial Killer: The Regina Smith Story,’ which aired on November 9, 2024.
Regina Smith Was Married to Senior Corporal Norman Smith—Her Husband Lost His Life in a Tragic Shooting!
Regina Smith’s husband, Senior Corporal Norman Smith, spent almost 18 years with the Dallas Police Department. Known to his colleagues as “Big Russian” because of his huge build and strong presence, Norman was both tough and caring. Beneath his imposing look, he had a gentle heart. He was a guy with integrity, totally dedicated to his community, and he brought a mix of professionalism and empathy to his work that earned him respect from both his fellow officers and the people he served.
On January 6, 2009, Norman’s life was tragically cut short while trying to serve an arrest warrant for an aggravated assault case. The 43-year-old was at a home on Wadsworth Drive in Dallas with his team, and when he knocked on the door to serve the warrant, he was shot and killed. After the shooting, the Dallas SWAT team went into the home and arrested three suspects, including the shooter, who was later convicted and given a life sentence.
Corporal Smith, who previously served in the United States Marine Corps, had been with the Dallas Police Department for over 17 years and was part of the Gang Unit. His death happened just a day before his 18th anniversary with the department.
The incident deeply impacted the Dallas Police Department and the community, reminding everyone of the massive risks officers face almost on a daily basis. For Regina, losing Norman was life-changing—a heartbreak that left her figuring out life as a widow and single mom. Even through her deep grief, she found strength in honoring his memory.
Fueled by the desire to carry on his legacy, Regina started Big Rush In, LLC, a music production company named after her husband Norman Smith’s nickname. This wasn’t just about business; it was personal—a way for her to keep his spirit alive. Through Big Rush In, Regina took on the stage name Lucille Baller and used her music to speak out on issues she cared about, which sometimes got a little too problematic.
Norman’s influence shows up in every part of Regina’s life—her advocacy, her art, and how she lives day-to-day. His commitment to public service inspired her to speak up for justice and resilience, especially for women who have faced some kind of loss or challenges. Her journey is a tribute to the love they shared and to a husband and father who dedicated himself to protecting others. Through her work, Regina keeps Norman’s memory alive and brings his legacy into conversations about strength, empowerment, and the importance of giving back to the community.
‘Find a Grave’ Remembers the Life of Norman Smith
As per Find a Grave, Norman Stephen Allen Smith, born on June 14, 1965, in Fontainebleau, France, passed away at 43 on January 6, 2009, in Dallas, Texas. He’s buried in Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, in the Garden of Honor.
As mentioned earlier, Senior Corporal Norman Smith was a veteran in the Dallas Police Department’s gang unit. On January 6, 2009, he was fatally shot while serving a felony warrant at an apartment on Wadsworth Drive in Dallas. He had been with the Dallas Police since 1991 and was nearing 18 years of service. Known for his deep knowledge of Dallas gangs, he was highly respected within the department. His death was the first fatal shooting of an officer in the line of duty in the U.S. in 2009 and the first in Dallas since 2007.
On the day of his death, Smith and his team were after a violent felon. Smith knocked on the apartment door, using a fake name to identify himself. When the door opened and he announced they were police, the suspect tried to close the door and shot Smith. Despite his colleagues’ efforts, Smith succumbed to his injuries. The suspects surrendered shortly after.
Smith was a tall, strong man known for his even temper, strong opinions, and sentimentality. He spent part of his youth in Europe and attended the Royal Duke of York Military Academy in Dover, England. He moved to Kaufman, Texas, in 1980, where he finished high school. He served in the Marine Corps for four years before joining the Dallas Police.
Norman Smith was survived by his wife, Regina L. Smith, also a Dallas police officer in 2009, whom he met while working at the Dallas County Jail. They had two teenage children at the time, daughter Clenique L. Williams and son Karlis Smith. His extended family includes his mother, Carolyn Long, stepfather, Dana Long, sister, Michelle Fitzgerald, granddaughter, Marich, and several nieces and nephews.
According to the burial website, Smith’s dedication to his work and his family was evident in his life. Norman and his wife enjoyed antiquing, collecting fine china, and traveling. His colleagues and community remember him as a dedicated officer and a cherished friend and family member.
