A Machesney Park man made his 1st court appearance in Rockford this past weekend after being charged last week in the killing of his wife.
45-year old Todd Smith was arrested last Wednesday in the murder of 30-year old Katrina Smith.
Katrina Smith was 1st noticed missing on October 22nd after she left her home to do an errand. Her body was found earlier this month in the Rock River near Byron. She died from "blunt force trauma" as she had been beaten.
Todd Smith has been charged with 4 counts of 1st degree murder and 1 count of concealing a homicide. A public defender has been appointed to handle his case as he told the judge he could not afford to hire a lawyer.
He remains in jail in lieu of a 4 million dollar bond. Smith returns to Winnebago County Court on December 21st for an arraignment. He may plead guilty or innocent to the charges at that time.
