Murder charges Dropped in Beating Death of Man in Hawley

MOORHEAD (KVRR/KDLM) – Charges have been dropped in the beating death of a man in Hawley in 2020.

Clay County prosecutors have dismissed 2nd degree murder charges against Christopher Greywater, the man charged in the death of Lucas Lacroix Smith.

In April, 2020, Hawley police responded to the 2300 block of Meadow Lane for someone ringing doorbells and knocking on doors. Police determined that the 50-year-old Smith was assaulted inside a home. Smith had been beaten with a pool cue.

Greywater’s trial ended with a hung jury; prosecutors are now requesting additional evidence to be tested by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to clarify issues that were raised during the trial.

Clay County Attorney Brian Melton says prosecutors still believe Greywater is responsible, but he says based on the test results, it was determined that a case could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is still considered active and open. Anyone with information regarding the murder is asked to contact Hawley Police at 218-483-4666.