STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Here’s Why This Black Teen Was Sentenced To 65 Years For The Death Of His Friend Killed By Police

Lakeith Smith turned down a 25-year plea deal and laughed at the absurdity of his sentence.

An Alabama teen was given what some are calling an unjust sentence for his involvement in a robbery that resulted in the fatal shooting of his friend.

Lakeith Smith, 18, was initially offered a 25-year sentence plea deal for felony murder, armed burglary, second-degree theft and third-degree theft, reported Fox 61.

Smith’s charges stem from a 2015 incident in which the teen and four other people broke into two homes and were pursued by officers. According to police, the suspects fired at officers.

Police body cam footage showed suspect A’Donte Washington, 16, allegedly pointing a gun at an officer. Washington was subsequently shot and killed by the officer and Smith was charged an an accomplice in his friend’s death, even though he never fired any shots.

During his trial, Smith turned down the 25-year deal, and as a result, he was sentenced to 65 years in prison by a judge.

When the judge read out his sentence, Smith laughed, reported Fox 61.

“I don’t think Mr. Smith will be smiling long when he gets to prison,” C.J. Robinson, chief assistant district attorney, told Fox 61. “We are very pleased with this sentence. Because the sentences are consecutive, it will be a long time before he comes up for even the possibility for parole, at least 20 to 25 years.”

A grand jury cleared the officer who fired the shots at Washington.

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.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.