By: Najla Alexander
Image by: NJ.com
Authorities in Gloucester County announced that a jury found Christian Smith, 30, of Woolwich, guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose on Tuesday, following a two-week trial before the Honorable William Ziegler, J.S.C.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence presented at trial:
Gloucester County officials stated that on October 9, 2021, Smith and his stepfather, Dennis McKenzie, Jr., were arguing in their home over offensive comments Smith made about the sexuality of McKenzie’s daughter and her friend.
Smith’s mother and sister attempted to diffuse the situation, with his mother putting herself between the two men, according to GCPO officials.
As the argument escalated, GCPO officials say, McKenzie attempted to hit Smith, who then pulled a 9mm handgun from his waistband, held it over his mother, and shot McKenzie once in the face and three times in the back.
Gloucester County authorities say Smith then disassembled the gun and recorded himself saying, “That’s what he gets.”
Sentencing is scheduled for February 20, Gloucester County officials said. Smith is facing a minimum of 30 years and up to life in state prison.