Search Results for: Smith

Man convicted of murdering pregnant girlfriend will face death penalty decision

Sanford, FL A jury will determine whether Donovan L. Faison, 23, receives the death penalty or life in prison following his conviction for the first-degree murder of his girlfriend, Kaylin Fiengo. The verdict was reached on Monday, and the sentencing phase is set to begin on Wednesday.

Fiengo, 18, was shot and killed in November 2022 after revealing her pregnancy to Faison via text message. Prosecutors say Faison’s anger escalated when he received the news, as he was living with another woman.

Evidence presented at trial included text messages where Faison expressed his intent to harm Fiengo. Prosecutor Domenick Leo stated that these texts clearly demonstrated Faison’s plans leading up to the shooting.

On the night of Fiengo’s death, she arrived at Coastline Park to meet Faison. Officers found her unresponsive in her car, suffering from a gunshot wound.

The investigation lasted 10 months and included thorough analysis of all evidence collected. Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith emphasized that the effort was exhaustive to ensure justice for Fiengo and her family.

Faison was arrested in August 2023. He is also charged with the killing of Fiengo’s unborn child.

Fiengo is survived by her year-old son. Her father expressed devastation over her loss, underscoring the impact on the family.

Both Fiengo’s parents released statements highlighting her caring nature and dedication as a mother. The murder has been described as senseless by authorities involved in the case.

West Virginia man on trial for murder after woman’s body found in well

Charleston, WV A man faces trial this week, accused of murder in the case of a woman whose body was found in a well. Michael Wayne Smith, 46, is charged with the murder of 35-year-old Cheyenne Johnson, who was reported missing in April 2021. Johnson’s body was discovered on May 3, 2021, days after her disappearance.

Smith admitted to police that he shot Johnson in the head and hid her body in a well. His confession reportedly followed a tip from his girlfriend, Virginia Smith. Virginia Smith also faces charges in the case and pleaded guilty to multiple counts, including first-degree murder.

A criminal complaint details an alleged conversation between Michael Smith, Virginia Smith, and a third person discussing Johnson’s death. Virginia Smith initially denied knowing Johnson but later guided authorities to the location of Johnson’s body.

During a police interview, Michael Smith reportedly confessed to the shooting, explaining that a confrontation arose over a stolen car involving Virginia Smith and Johnson. He claimed that he threatened Johnson with a rifle during the altercation.

Michael Smith is charged with first-degree murder, concealment of a deceased human body, and several firearm-related offenses. His trial began on Monday in Kanawha County Circuit Court.

Man arrested for DUI and drug offenses after pursuit

Claymont, DE A 34-year-old man named Datahj Smith faces multiple charges following a pursuit by Delaware State Police on Thursday morning. Officers attempted to stop Smith’s Volkswagen Jetta after witnessing several traffic violations.

The traffic stop occurred on I-95 near Harvey Road at approximately 9:30 a.m. Smith provided a false name to officers and fled when asked to exit the vehicle.

After exiting I-95, police pursued the vehicle as it drove recklessly at high speeds along Naamans Road. The pursuit ended on Naamans Road near Concord Pike, where police detained Smith without incident.

A subsequent search of the Jetta yielded approximately 53.5 grams of suspected phencyclidine (PCP) and about .27 grams of suspected heroin.

Smith was taken to Troop 1 and underwent Standardized Field Sobriety Tests before being charged with several offenses. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $28,114 cash bond.

The charges against Smith include possession of a controlled substance in a Tier 3 quantity, disregarding a police officer signal, criminal impersonation, possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence, and multiple traffic offenses.

Schenectady police arrest five during major drug bust

Schenectady, NY

A search warrant execution led to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of a significant quantity of crack cocaine and two handguns on the evening of Thursday, October 23. The Schenectady Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit conducted the operation at 10 Swan Street Apt. 3.

Thomas L. Smith, 38, from Schenectady, faces charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. Matthew J. Skolnick, 36, also from Schenectady, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Ieshia D. Leak, 36, from Magnolia, North Carolina, has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. Gregory R. Chapman, 39, from Schenectady, faces charges including criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Heidi E. Rathbun, 34, from Albany, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. The operation reflects ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crime in the area.