March 6, 2008
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

SECOND SUSPECT CAPTURED IN TUESDAY HOME ROBBERY 

A second man was arrested early Thursday morning in the robbery of a couple in their home near Ormond Beach earlier in the week. The first of two captures was Wednesday night when Volusia County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested William Chapman on six charges related to the Tuesday incident. Chapman’s attempt at an alibi, along with a misidentification by one of the victims led investigators to a second possible suspect. That suspect was exonerated during an interview, but information he provided led to the arrest of the real second suspect, Matthew Smoot. Both Chapman and Smoot are in the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach. 

The robbery happened at approximately 12:15 a.m. Tuesday morning when the 45-year-old female victim heard someone knocking on her door at 1137 Avenue F. The woman saw Chapman, who is the woman’s cousin, outside, so she unlocked the door to let him in. However, when she did so, Smoot barged inside and struck her on the head with a handgun. Smoot then attacked the second victim while demanding prescription drugs and money from both. Chapman, 21, had previously been a guest of the victims and so was aware that the couple typically had their medication filled around the beginning of each month. Smoot eventually obtained the drugs and money he was looking for and finally left. Chapman had remained outside during the robbery. 

Investigators tracked down Chapman at his Ormond Beach home Wednesday night. During an interview, Chapman claimed to have been playing poker the night of the robbery with a friend, Joseph Westfall. Investigators later showed a photo lineup including Westfall to the victims. The woman wasn’t able to identify anyone, but the man picked out Westfall. That led investigators to Westfall early Thursday morning. During an interview with him, it was determined that he had no role in the robbery other than Chapman asking him to be an alibi. Westfall was able to direct investigators to Smoot based on what Chapman had told him about the crime. Smoot, 34, was found at Chapman’s home at about 2 a.m. Thursday morning and arrested without incident. Smoot is also from Ormond Beach. 

Both men are charged with robbery home invasion, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, grand theft, burglary to a residence, and use of a firearm during the commission of felony.