PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Justin Smith was found guilty Friday of killing his ex-girlfriend Dianna Brice in 2021.
Jurors heard closing arguments from both sides. Smith’s lawyer relied heavily on the last text messages 21-year-old Brice sent to her best friend.
In March of 2021, Brice was 14 weeks pregnant and upset about a health issue when she got into Smith’s car to get medicine.
The defense worked to prove the shooting was not Smith’s fault. His lawyer focused on her texts to the friend, including messages saying she wanted to “off herself.”
He said she pulled out a gun and pointed it at him before pointing it at herself, resulting in a struggle with the gun.
Prosecutors struck down the defense’s argument, telling jurors the argument is “preposterous.”
Smith’s eyes were wide as lawyers for the Commonwealth told jurors everything he did was intentional.
They referenced video footage of Smith meeting up with Tylydia Garnett, who pleaded to helping him move Brice’s body.
Prosecutors also referred to Garnett’s testimony, where she told the court Smith purchased a gun off the street for about $950.
Prosecutors once again displayed the 11 gunshot wounds on the left side of Brice’s head, around her ear.
According to the Commonwealth and testimony from firearm experts, the pattern of the gunshot wounds on Brice was not consistent with Smith’s version of the story.
He has been charged with first-degree criminal homicide of Brice, third-degree criminal homicide of her unborn baby, as well as arson and abuse of corpse.
He is expected to be sentenced this afternoon. Stay with KYW Newsradio as more information develops.
