JACKSON, Mich. — A jury has convicted William Deandre-Kashawn Smith of first-degree murder in the January 2024 shooting death of Shi’Ana Gittens, marking a tragic chapter for their family. With the verdict rendered, a Jackson County judge has sentenced Smith to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
During the emotional sentencing hearing, Circuit Judge John McBain characterized the crime as particularly heinous, noting that Gittens, 31, was shot in the head in the presence of their four children, one of whom was lying beside her at the time of the incident. Smith, 36, maintained his innocence throughout the trial, stating, “I love her and I love my kids. I feel set up.” His protests fell on deaf ears as McBain imposed the mandatory life sentence, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses.
The events transpired on January 22 at the couple’s home in Vandercook Lake, a community within Summit Township. Authorities responded to reports of an unresponsive individual, arriving to find Gittens with a critical gunshot wound. Prosecutors detailed how Smith had entered the residence and, in a shocking act, fired a single shot close to Gittens’ ear, causing significant trauma. The couple’s children were asleep in another room, unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded.
Witness testimony revealed the harrowing moment when a 9-year-old child discovered Gittens on the floor and frantically sought help from Smith. The child was reportedly distraught, crying for his father’s assistance before ultimately reaching out to Smith’s mother, who then summoned emergency services. Prosecutors highlighted this call to reinforce Smith’s failure to act, portraying a pattern of neglect following the shooting.
Evidence presented during the trial relied heavily on digital records rather than confessions or direct eyewitness accounts. Surveillance footage depicted Smith outside the home just before the shooting, supporting the timeline of events. Additional data from cellphones and vehicles provided crucial links to his location, leading to his arrest about five miles away.
Defense attorney Andrew Kirkpatrick argued that the prosecution lacked direct physical evidence tying Smith to the crime. He pointed out the absence of eyewitnesses to the shooting and noted that no DNA evidence was found on the casing. Despite these arguments, the jury found the digital evidence compelling enough to convict Smith after four days of testimony.
As the court session concluded, Gittens’ family members expressed the profound impact of her loss on the children. They described the lifelong emotional scars left by the incident. “You created a living nightmare for them,” said Gittens’ sister directly addressing Smith during the hearing.
In the aftermath of the sentencing, the impact of the case remains heavy on the community and the family. Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey Guernsey emphasized the emotional burden inherent in a case where young children discovered their mother in such a tragic state. She conveyed her commitment to ensuring that the children would be cared for in accordance with Gittens’ wishes.
While Smith’s legal journey appears to be concluding in Jackson County Circuit Court, Kirkpatrick confirmed intentions to appeal the conviction, indicating that this case may continue to invoke public interest. The defense has 42 days to file the appeal, leaving open the possibility for further developments in the months ahead.