By: Richard L. Smith
A Gloucester County man has been sentenced to 65 years in New Jersey State Prison for the 2021 murder of his stepfather inside the family’s Woolwich home, prosecutors announced.
Christian Smith, 28, received the sentence Friday from Judge William Ziegler following his conviction for first-degree murder.
According to evidence presented during trial, the deadly shooting occurred on October 9, 2021, during a heated family argument involving Smith and his stepfather, Dennis McKenzie Jr.
Prosecutors said the dispute began after Smith made offensive remarks regarding the sexuality of McKenzie’s daughter and her friend.
As tensions escalated, Smith’s mother and sister attempted to intervene, with his mother positioning herself between the two men.
Authorities said that after McKenzie attempted to strike Smith, Smith pulled a 9mm handgun from his waistband and fired multiple shots.
Evidence showed Smith shot McKenzie once in the face and three times in the back while reaching over his mother.
Following the shooting, prosecutors said Smith disassembled the firearm and recorded himself stating, “that’s what he gets.”
During the two-week trial, defense attorneys argued Smith acted in the heat of passion after McKenzie referenced abuse Smith had allegedly suffered in prior relationships.
The defense also contended that the shooting occurred during a struggle over the firearm and that several rounds may have discharged accidentally before Smith gained control of the weapon.
However, prosecutors maintained that Smith’s version of events was contradicted by forensic evidence presented to the jury.
Smith will serve his sentence in New Jersey State Prison. Under New Jersey law, he must serve a substantial portion of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.