‘We’re all concerned about his mental health’: Attorney of man questioned in father’s death speaks

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – The attorney for 26-year-old Ryan Smith, who led police on a manhunt and was wanted for questioning in his father’s death, said his main concern is his client’s mental health. .

“His family and friends know this is not the Ryan Smith we know,” attorney Ralph Manginello said. “We are all concerned about his mental health and we want him to get healthy.”

The bizarre chain of events began over the weekend, when Smith’s mother called police saying her son ran off and went looking for weapons, talking about killing himself.

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A couple of hours later, Smith was arrested, accused of robbing two people, stabbing a Houston K-9 police officer and evading arrest. A family member posted his $50,000 bond.

“I can’t comment on that other than to say his family loves him, cares about him and was just trying to help him at the time,” Manginello said.

Once Smith retired, he went to live at his father’s house in the Memorial area, according to police. Family members were worried when they didn’t hear from him, so they searched the house on Monday and the police, too, but found nothing.

Police saw Smith in his father’s truck nearby, with its lights on. That’s when he left and led the officers on a chase. According to police, he abandoned the truck and walked near Memorial Park.

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Meanwhile, police searched the home in the Memorial area for a second time early Tuesday and found her father’s body in the garage.

Several hours later, the manhunt for Smith ended when he was found walking on Highway 159 in Austin County and arrested.

Smith was held without bail on his charges and taken in for questioning about his father. Houston police are awaiting an autopsy until new charges are filed.

“He has rights. His family and his friends care about him, and we just want them to help him,” Manginello said.

Manginello said Smith spoke to investigators without him present, which concerns him because of his mental health.

“As you know, a representative person cannot be asked questions unless their attorney is there. So it’s concerning, yes,” Manginello said.

ABC13 has contacted Houston police for comment. A spokesman said that because it is an ongoing investigation, they cannot comment further.

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