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WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department confirms a family of three U.S. citizens has been killed in the ex-Soviet republic of Georgia.
Georgian police officials said Monday that Ryan Smith, his wife, Laura Smith, and their four-year old son were found dead. Police say they arrested a 20-year old man in the central Georgian province of Dusheti on charges of premeditated murder.
A Bureau of Consular Affairs official confirms the deaths and says the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi was providing the necessary consular assistance. The official spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to publicly comment on the issue.
Police believe the man shot Ryan Smith and the boy with a hunting rifle on July 4, while Laura Smith fell into a ravine trying to escape.
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