DATE: June 27, 2023

CASE: Fard Smithson (Case #21FE012256)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney TeriAnn Grimes, Homicide Unit

On June 26, 2023, Fard Smithson was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm.  The jury also found true the allegation that Smithson intentionally and personally discharged a firearm causing death.

Smithson lived with the victim, Keela Cole, and had unreported instances of domestic violence.  On July 19, 2021, three friends were at their residence when someone made a joke about the food the victim prepared for everyone. Smithson then got off the couch, went into the kitchen and threw his plate of food in the sink.  He rounded the corner and shot the victim in the back of the head two times while she was sitting on the couch.  Smithson and the three other individuals immediately fled the scene, and only one returned to call 911.  Smithson changed his clothes and returned to the scene hours later claiming he didn’t know what had happened.

Smithson faces a maximum sentence of 53 years to life in prison.  Sentencing is set for August 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in Department 21 before the Honorable Shelleyanne Chang.