New Rochelle’s Broad Daylight Murder Case Adjourned to October; Kevin Williams Funeral Service Tonight

The case against accused murderer Laurell Smith, 20, and two alleged accomplices, Rico Johnson, 19, and Krista Leggieri, 17, was adjourned today by Judge Preston Scher presiding in New Rochelle City Court. A new hearing date has been set for October 1st, leading to speculation that some sort of plea deal was in the works.

Laurell Smith was charged last week with one count of murder in the second degree after killing Kevin Williams, 23, by intentionally stabbing him in the abdomen with a large kitchen knife a week ago Saturday. The murder took place in front of 270 North Avenue and has received widespread attention. It was the first murder in New Rochelle in well over a year. Rico Johnson and Krista Leggieri have been charged for hindering prosecution in the first degree and tampering with physical evidence for helping Smith hide the murder weapon. All three defendants list their address as 311 North Avenue although Smith and Johnson have been incarcerated at the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla. There whereabouts of Leggieri have not been made public.

Later this evening, the family of Kevin Williams will hold a funeral ceremony at the Davis Funeral home at 14 Lecount Place in New Rochelle. The funeral, open to the public, will begin at 7 PM and last one hour. Willams remains will be cremated in a private ceremony afterwards. The family expressed their thanks to those who raised funds — over $5,000 — to cover the funeral costs.