Two recent Bend murder cases shine a tragic spotlight on family domestic violence

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Two recent Bend murder cases -- both involving an adult son accused of killing his mother -- are shining a harsh, tragic spotlight on the issue of domestic violence and efforts to prevent such tragedies.

Last week, a 40-year-old Bend man, Joshua Smith, was arrested on a second-degree murder charge in the killing of his 59-year-old mother, Janice Smith, at the northeast Bend apartment they shared.

Three months ago, Theodore John Bowser, 37, was arrested in the fatal stabbing of his mother, Rene Carlson, 60, and assault of his brother during a domestic dispute at the southeast Bend home the three shared. He is scheduled to enter a plea next Monday, April 1.

Both homicide cases involved matricide, which is the killing of one's mother.