Philly man plotted to kill NJ judges and prosecutors from prison
Trenton, NJ – A Philadelphia man has been convicted of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting five New Jersey government officials, including prosecutors and judges, while serving time for an earlier arson conviction, the state’s Attorney General announced Wednesday.
Stephen Smink, 62, was found guilty on August 15 of conspiracy to commit murder, five counts of attempted murder — all first-degree felonies — and two fourth-degree weapons offenses, following a multi-year investigation that uncovered a violent plan to retaliate against those involved in his 2014 criminal case.
Prosecutors said Smink conspired between January 2018 and December 2020 to have Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, First Assistant Prosecutor Harold Shapiro, two Superior Court judges, and an assistant prosecutor killed. All five were connected to his prior conviction for burning down a rival bowling alley, a crime for which he was serving a 15-year sentence at Northern State Prison.
While behind bars, Smink attempted to enlist members of the Latin Kings gang to carry out the murders. After one gang member died before the plot could be executed, Smink allegedly recruited a cooperating witness, who worked undercover for authorities. Investigators say Smink even attempted to pay for the murders with sports memorabilia and used his mother to send letters advancing the plan.
At one point, Smink was recorded telling the witness that wiping out the targets “just looks like somebody making an assault, a gangs meeting,” and added that a mass shooting could be disguised as gang retribution.
The plot was intercepted by the New Jersey State Police Central Intelligence Unit, working in coordination with the Department of Corrections Special Investigations Division, Homeland Security officials, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
The trial was held before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Joseph A. Levin. Smink faces 30 years to life in prison and must serve a minimum of 30 years before becoming eligible for parole. Sentencing is set for September 26.
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Key Points
- Stephen Smink, 62, of Philadelphia, was convicted of conspiring to murder five New Jersey government officials
- The plot was uncovered while he was serving a 15-year sentence for arson in Northern State Prison
- Smink faces 30 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for September 26
