The man charged with a deadly shooting at a Vestavia Hills church pleads guilty to capital murder. Robert Smith Tuesday was sentenced to life in prison without parole in exchange for his plea. He could have faced the death penalty had the case gone to trial. The district attorney's office says it offered the plea deal after consulting with the victims' families. Prosecutors say Smith opened fire last year during a potluck supper at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Cahaba Heights, killing three elderly church members: 84-year old Bart Rainey, Sarah Yeager, 75 and Jane Pounds, 84. The motive remains unknown.