James Smallwood dies in fatal Santa Cruz County homicide

James Smallwood dies in fatal Santa Cruz County homicide

Fatal Santa Cruz County homicide death of James Smallwood

Authorities have identified James Smallwood, 54, as the suspect in the fatal killing of his father, 90-year-old Robert Smallwood, in Santa Cruz County, California.

Robert Smallwood was reported missing by family on May 18, 2025, after several days without contact. The following day, his body was discovered on his property along Jarvis Road, with investigators ruling the death a homicide.

James Smallwood, who had been residing with his father, fled to Switzerland before the discovery of the body. With cooperation from Swiss authorities, the U.S. Department of Justice, and Homeland Security, James was apprehended abroad and is awaiting extradition to the United States.

Upon his return, James Smallwood will face multiple charges including murder, elder abuse, unlawful vehicle use, and three counts of identity theft. He will be booked into the county jail following extradition.