—blogged by @lovelikejhoney
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At only 18 years old, Lakeith Smith will be seeing the inside of a prison cell for the next 65 years; without the possibility of parole until at least 20 years have been served.
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The teen was charged with felony murder, armed burglary, second-degree theft and third-degree theft after a home invasion robbery went wrong in February of 2015. Smith, along with four other people, broke into two homes when police officers arrived on the scene, shots were fired from the sides. Body cam footage showed suspect, A’Donte Washington, 16, who was armed with a gun, allegedly pointing it at the officer. Smith was charged with Washington’s death despite not firing the shots, due to the Alabama accomplice law.
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Although a grand jury cleared the officer who actually fired the shots at the 16-year-old male, the other teens involved were not let off the hook. The other suspects, Jhavarske Jackson, 23, Jadarien Hardy, 22 and La’Anthony Washington, 22, entered guilty pleas of “felony murder, burglary and theft” but have not been sentenced yet.
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“Standing there in court, I couldn’t help but have compassion for his grandfather, for his family,” chief assistant district attorney, C.J. Robinson said about Smith. “Because of his stupidity, they have lost him for 65 years.”
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Smith’s body language during his hearings seemed nonchalant. He showed no remorse and offered no apologies. The judge even overheard Smith mumble, “I don’t have time for this.” Moreover, when the judge announced the sentence of 65 years, the teen began to laugh.
“I don’t think Mr. Smith will be smiling long when he gets to prison,” Robinson said after the trial.
Alabama Teen Laughs at Judge Sentencing Him 65 Years in Prison, For a Crime He Did Not Commit
