Soldier sentenced for killing Tacoma security guard in 2021

The family of 41-year-old Denise Smith gathered in a Pierce County courtroom Friday afternoon to learn the fate of her murderer, 29-year-old Army Ranger Spc. Patrick Philip Byrne.

Byrne was sentenced to 20 years in prison for beating Smith to death in 2021. Smith was working as a security guard at a downtown building along Ninth Street.

“I’m never going to forgive him for what he did,” said Dennis Mack, Denise’s older brother in court on May 10. “I hope he catches hell where he’s going. Only problem is, I won’t be there to see it and enjoy it.”

In court on May 10, Smith’s loved ones spoke directly to the judge, expressing anger and grief as they described who Smith was, and how much their lives have changed since her death.

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