Public defender appointed to two Fort Bragg soldiers

Two Fort Bragg soldiers accused of plotting to kill a fellow soldier were appointed a public defender during a first court appearance yesterday in Cumberland County.

Army Sergeant, Richard Smith and Private first class Matthew Kvapil (pictured right) are charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Smith’s 29-year-old wife, Sergeant Christina Smith.

Police believe Smith offered Kvapil $30,000 to kill his wife as the couple walked in their Fayetteville neighborhood.

Richard Smith initially told police that someone ambushed them and then ran off.