GILLETTE, WY – A Wyoming teenager who made headlines after attacking his mother while she slept will formally accept a plea for a reduced charge. Tharles Smith, now 18, initially faced attempted first-degree murder for the June 2024 stabbing of his mother, Karla Smith. This violent act was the culmination of longstanding familial discord, court documents reveal.
The family’s troubles began several years earlier, with disagreements over Tharles’ possible relocation due to behavioral issues. The tension had been simmering, giving way to threats from the teenager. On several occasions, he allegedly menaced both parents with violent intentions.
The disturbing incident unfolded one night when Tharles, at the age of 17, opted to confront his unresolved anger.
Feeling cornered by his parents’ discussions of his potential move, Tharles armed himself with an 8-inch kitchen knife. As his parents lay unaware in their bed, he stabbed his mother in the back near her shoulder blade, causing serious injuries.
The aftermath was chaotic. Court records recount that Karla Smith, confused and in shock, initially believed she had been punched. Her son coldly corrected her, admitting to the stabbing. This act left her with two fractured ribs, a pierced scapula, and a collapsed lung, for which she required intensive care.
Karla, seeking financial support for her medical recovery, turned to the community for help. A fundraising page was established, and she auctioned off her son’s pig to gather the needed funds.
Tharles’ case faced a significant delay as his defense team awaited a mental health evaluation, which influenced the decision to try him as an adult. Subsequently, a plea agreement was reached for attempted second-degree murder, a lesser charge than originally faced. This development marks a pivotal moment as the legal process advances.
Sentencing is anticipated later this year, concluding a case that highlights the dire consequences of unresolved domestic conflicts and the challenges faced by families dealing with severe behavioral issues in youth.