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Oklahoma Man Sentenced for Brutal Car Wash Murder
17 Oct
Summary
- Billy Buford sentenced to life with 16 years suspended.
- Victim Douglas Smitherman was a registered nurse.
- The fatal attack occurred at an Oklahoma City car wash.

In Oklahoma, Billy Buford, 60, received a life sentence with all but 16 years suspended for the first-degree manslaughter of Douglas Smitherman. The fatal assault occurred on May 2, 2025, at the An-Son Car Wash on NW 122nd Street in Oklahoma City. Buford beat Smitherman, 48, repeatedly with a 2x4.
Investigators determined that Buford and Smitherman had a history of conflict, including throwing bricks at each other in the days prior to the incident. Smitherman, remembered by his mother as 'DougE Fresh,' was a registered nurse and house supervisor in McAlester. He had recently relocated to Oklahoma City seeking a fresh start.