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On May 11, 2023, the Catoosa County SheriffÐÔÊӽ紫ý Office launched an investigation into a violent domestic incident involving Smith, following a report of abuse from the previous evening.

According to evidence presented at trial, Smith shared a home with the mother of his 9-month-old daughter, as well as her two sons, ages 3 and 5, from a previous marriage. On the evening of May 10, Smith became enraged over dinner preparations, yelling at the family and breaking a glass at the table.

The mother removed herself and the children from the situation, locking them in a bedroom and asking Smith to leave the home. Instead, Smith forced his way into the room, lifted the 5-year-old by the shirt collar and threw him across the room. He then assaulted the childrenÐÔÊӽ紫ý mother, striking her and pulling her hair. While she held the infant, Smith shoved her onto the baby and held her there.

Smith allegedly refused to allow the family to leave and later held a firearm to his head, demanding that the mother shoot him. He fled the residence the following day.

The mother reported the incident to authorities and took the children to T.C. Thompson ChildrenÐÔÊӽ紫ý Hospital in Chattanooga for examination. Medical staff discovered that the 9-month-old infant had cocaine in her system. During an interview with Investigator Clay Thompson, Smith admitted to using cocaine and exposing the baby to the drug.

Immediately following the return of a guilty verdict, Smith was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Chris Arnt to 50 years, with the first 30 years to be served in prison.