Overview

• On May 18, family members reported 90-year-old Robert Smallwood missing from his Santa Cruz home where he lived with his 54-year-old son, James.
• Deputies discovered Robert’s body on May 19, prompting investigators to rule his death a homicide after a joint inquiry by Santa Cruz County agencies.
• James Smallwood was arrested in Switzerland on May 29 after U.S. authorities enlisted Swiss government assistance.
• A June 19 indictment charges Smallwood with murder, elder abuse, unlawful vehicle taking plus four counts of identity theft.
• His detention in Switzerland underscores U.S.-Swiss cooperation on international extradition proceedings.