Andy Thibault

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Cool Justice 
Murder On The High Seas?
By ANDY THIBAULT, Columnist
Law Tribune Newspapers
August 29, 2005

There is a lot to wonder about in the case of George Smith IV, the Greenwich honeymooner who apparently left behind casino winnings and a pool of blood before disappearing off the deck of a cruise ship into the Mediterranean Sea on July 5.

Smith, 26, also left behind his bride, 25-year-old Jennifer Hagel of Cromwell.

Did he fall? Was he robbed? Was he pushed?

Some have wondered why the Connecticut U.S. Attorney's office would be handling this case, given that the action occurred off the coast of Turkey on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas. Sharing this wonder, I was eventually directed to U.S. Code Title 18 Section 7, Special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. This section gives a lot of leeway. It even covers the moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

With all the tabloid TV coverage, I can understand how some people think Connecticut Atty. General Richard Blumenthal is in charge. But, in reality, the maritime law seems to put the U.S. Attorney in charge "any place outside the jurisdiction of any nation with respect to an offense by or against a national of the United States." And, because Smith was not from Kansas, it makes sense for Connecticut to be involved at the federal level.

"We think the circumstances are unique enough and suspicious enough that a thorough investigation is warranted," U.S. Atty. Kevin O'Connor told the Associated Press. O'Connor said investigators were interviewing passengers and staff from the ship.

In Greenwich, Smith's father owns the popular Cos Cob liquor store. Smith, a football player while at Greenwich High School, was to eventually take over the business.

The Smith family has been in seclusion and is cooperating with the FBI. A family friend who visited the Smith house to offer condolences was not allowed inside, she said, because the FBI was working at the house.

George Smith IV's disappearance followed a long night of drinking and gambling.

According to various reports, the couple partied separately at various times and in the course of a spat the bride kicked the groom in his private parts. The couple eventually was escorted back to their room. A passenger in the cabin next door reported a scream, arguing and the sounds of furniture being moved. Blood was found on a balcony nearby.

Jennifer Hagel was one of about 70 members of the Cromwell High School Class of 1997. Hagel's father was a local cop and also worked in construction. Her grandfather was a well-regarded lawyer.

One of Hagel's classmates told me that even though she has not seen Hagel since high school, she was among those contacted recently by the National Enquirer.

Investigators reportedly have found statements by newlywed Jennifer Hagel puzzling. Her nonchalant attitude upon awakening the morning of her husband's disappearance was at odds with the gravity of the situation. She told investigators she was not concerned when she did not see her husband. Then, she went for a workout.

The statements and whereabouts of Jennifer Hagel became a focus of the investigation, although Turkish authorities said she is not a suspect.

The Smith family allegedly confided to a friend that the FBI is looking at some of the men who escorted the intoxicated couple back to their room after George's profitable night at the casino. This is a case that is hard to get a grip on, which is one of the reasons it will continue to fascinate the tabloid media for weeks and perhaps months to come.

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