Greenville, MS—Norris Smith, Jr., 23, of Greenville was convicted of Second Degree Murder in Washington County following a guilty plea, District Attorney W. Dewayne Richardson announced today.
Testimony at the previously pending trial would have revealed that on the night of September 26, 2018, officers of the Greenville Police Department were called to a shooting with a possible victim in the 500 block of McAlister Street. Upon their arrival, an officer rushed to a shot Arby’s side as he fought to keep the life from leaving his body. When asked who shot him, he was able to mutter the phrase “Lil Norris.” Moses was transported to Delta Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
Led by Investigator Tammie Hudson, detectives on scene leapt into action—quickly gathering evidence and identifying witnesses. Witnesses in the area informed investigators that Moses was in the area earlier but had left. After he left, they heard multiple gunshots before they were visited by an individual they knew as “Black”—Norris Smith, Jr.—who appeared panicked and told them that he had just shot Arby. Another witness told investigators that he observed a black sedan with out of state plates in the area prior to the shooting.
Detectives tracked the vehicle down and spoke with one its occupants. He advised that he was in the vehicle when Smith, Jr. spotted Moses, exited the car and shot him down. Smith was later questioned but, up until today’s guilty plea, denied any involvement. Along with several witness statements contradicting his claims, Smith’s hands tested positive for Gunshot Residue following a forensic analysis. He was arrested and charged with the homicide.
Smith’s case was set to proceed to a trial later this spring. He decided to forego a trial and pled guilty to Second Degree Murder. He was sentenced to the District Attorney’s recommendation of 35 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with 20 years to serve. He will have an opportunity to have the remaining 15 years suspended if he can successfully complete 5 years of post-release supervision, or “probation,” following his release.
Assistant District Attorney Kaylon McCou, offered the State’s recommendation to the Court following Smith, Jr.’s guilty plea. “There is no number of years a defendant can serve that can fill the gap left by the untimely and senseless taking of a family member. We can only seek to get as close to justice as possible and pray that it provides some healing for the loved ones left to process this unimaginable tragedy.” McCou added.
The Office of the District Attorney thanks the committed investigators of the Greenville Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. Their work makes this city a safer and better place.