‘A Life Cut Short by Senseless Violence’: Tasmania Police Constable Keith Smith’s Family Speaks Out After Killer’s 40-Year Sentence
- Leigh Sushames sentenced to 40 years in jail for the murder of Constable Keith Smith, with a non-parole period of 25 years.
- Constable Smith was shot and killed while serving a repossession notice at Sushames’ property in June 2025.
- The murder has had a devastating impact on Tasmania Police, with Commissioner Donna Adams saying it has been “felt deeply across our organisation”.
- Constable Smith’s family has spoken out, remembering him as a devoted partner, loving father, and loyal friend who truly cared for others.
The sentencing of Leigh Sushames to 40 years in jail for the murder of Tasmania Police Constable Keith Smith has brought some measure of closure to the officer’s family, but the pain and grief of their loss will never truly fade.
Constable Smith was a dedicated public servant who was simply doing his job when he was cut down by senseless violence. His family has spoken out about the devastating impact of his death, and the legacy he leaves behind.
On June 16, 2025, Constable Smith and Sergeant Gavin Rigby arrived at Sushames’ property in North Motton to serve a repossession notice. Sushames, who had not paid his mortgage in years, had been in contact with the officers beforehand and knew they were coming.
Despite this, he chose to arm himself with a rifle and lie in wait. When Constable Smith approached him, Sushames stood up and fired two shots, killing the officer almost instantly.
Sergeant Rigby was forced to flee for his life, and Sushames was later taken into custody by Special Operations Group officers.
The court heard that Sushames’ reasons for the killing were not entirely clear, but Justice Tamara Jago described it as a “premeditated, intentional killing” driven by “misplaced feelings of anger and resentment”.
Sushames had a history of mental health difficulties, but the judge made it clear that this did not reduce his moral culpability. In fact, Justice Jago said that Sushames’ actions were “almost beyond comprehension for any person with a decent sense of morality”.
The impact of Constable Smith’s death has been felt far beyond his family and friends.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said that the murder had been “felt deeply across our organisation”, and that Sergeant Rigby and the Special Operations Group officers had been “extremely brave” in their response.
The commissioner also paid tribute to Constable Smith, saying that he was “simply doing his job” when he was killed.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The sentencing of Leigh Sushames is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by police officers every day. Constable Smith’s death is a tragic example of the risks that officers take to keep our communities safe.
As Commissioner Adams said, “Keith was simply doing his job.
He didn’t deserve to be treated and killed in such a senseless way.” The murder of a police officer is a national security issue, and it highlights the need for continued support and resources for our law enforcement agencies.
Security analysts say that the incident also raises concerns about the potential for lone-wolf attacks on police officers.
In an era of increasing violence and extremism, it is more important than ever that our officers are equipped with the training and resources they need to stay safe.
The sentencing of Sushames sends a strong message that violence against police will not be tolerated, but it is only one part of the solution.
As Constable Smith’s family said in a statement, “Keith’s legacy is that policing works best when it is grounded in community, trust and human connection.
He carried these values into every part of his life.” His death is a reminder of the importance of building strong relationships between police and the communities they serve.
By working together, we can create a safer and more just society for everyone.
