PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Prosecutors wrapped up their case Thursday in the trial against 28-year-old Justin Smith, who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend Dianna Brice in 2021.
Smith told jurors “words could not describe” the shame and shock he felt after Brice, 21, was shot and killed in the passenger seat of his car in March 2021.
He said Brice was upset that day as they discussed a health issue. Smith testified that she pulled a gun and pointed it to his head several times before pointing it at herself.
Smith told jurors that the gun went off after he tried to move it away from her.
Prosecutors pressed him, explaining the 11 gunshot wounds she sustained could not be fully consistent with his claim, and the fact that Brice was right-handed.
Smith told jurors she was holding the gun in her left hand.
Commonwealth lawyers showed jurors a photo of Brice’s wounds on the left side of her face, pinpointing the wounds.
Members of Brice’s family were moved to tears, and some left the courtroom.
Smith further testified to fleeing the city and driving to Miami with Tylydia Garnett, the woman who helped him move Brice’s body to Southwest Philadelphia and purchased gas to set Smith’s car on fire.
Garnett, who also testified Thursday, told jurors Smith pointed a gun at her before asking for her help. Smith denied that on the stand.
Garnett pleaded guilty in 2023 and served close to two years in prison for her role in the crime.
Smith testified the gun was still in the burning Ford, and that he tossed his cell phone out of the window on I-95.
Closing arguments in the case are set for Friday.
