Alabama mom seeks overturning of son’s murder conviction

ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) – It’s been virtually 5 years since LaKeith Smith was sentenced to 65 years for felony homicide at 15 years outdated.

Smith’s mom, Brontina Smith, stated it has been an emotional curler coaster as she and others have rallied to have his conviction overturned.

“In a way, you’ve gotten misplaced a baby since you misplaced a baby to the system,” Smith stated.

On Friday, Smith appeared earlier than Elmore County Circuit Decide Sibley Reynolds in a post-conviction listening to. Smith’s legal professional, Leroy Maxwell, and Elmore County District Lawyer C.J. Robinson agreed that Smith obtained ineffective help of counsel at his sentencing listening to.

“It was because of a scarcity of mitigating proof that clearly exists that was not offered to the decide earlier than passing a sentence,” Robinson stated.

In response to Alabama legislation, a scarcity of efficient help of counsel is grounds for looking for a habeas corpus aid, which means it’s attainable for the decide to both reduce Smith’s sentence or absolutely overturn his conviction.

“We are able to get the conviction overturned, that’d be great,” Smith stated.

Smith’s mom believes he has realized his lesson and it’s time for him to come back house.

“We’re simply sitting by our telephones every day hoping that we get the decision any day,’ she stated.

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