02-13-2018, 06:24 PM
Evidence / Defense
While Smith has pleaded "not guilty", there's a mountain of evidence against him.
Aside from Rayne Perrywinkle and other witnesses identifying Smith as the man who took Cherish, DNA from semen found in Cherish's mouth, vagina, and anus was positively matched to Smith. In addition, he was caught on tape (which the jury heard) telling a cellmate that Cherish had a pretty good butt for a white girl.
The jury won't hear about his long history of sex crimes, but I think there's enough evidence against him to secure a quick 'guilty' verdict.
Today at trial he chose not to testify on his own behalf. His Defense Attorney also stated that no defense witnesses will be called.
What's Next?
Closing arguments are expected to begin tomorrow and then the jury will begin deliberations.
If he's found guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping and sexual battery, Donald James Smith will either be sentenced to life in prison or given the death penalty.
References:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medical-exa...-in-court/
http://www.oxygen.com/crime-time/gruesom...aled-court
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/2018021...mith-trial
(Edited to add content)
While Smith has pleaded "not guilty", there's a mountain of evidence against him.
Aside from Rayne Perrywinkle and other witnesses identifying Smith as the man who took Cherish, DNA from semen found in Cherish's mouth, vagina, and anus was positively matched to Smith. In addition, he was caught on tape (which the jury heard) telling a cellmate that Cherish had a pretty good butt for a white girl.
The jury won't hear about his long history of sex crimes, but I think there's enough evidence against him to secure a quick 'guilty' verdict.
Today at trial he chose not to testify on his own behalf. His Defense Attorney also stated that no defense witnesses will be called.
What's Next?
Closing arguments are expected to begin tomorrow and then the jury will begin deliberations.
If he's found guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping and sexual battery, Donald James Smith will either be sentenced to life in prison or given the death penalty.
References:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medical-exa...-in-court/
http://www.oxygen.com/crime-time/gruesom...aled-court
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/2018021...mith-trial
(Edited to add content)