Laurell Smith Sentenced to 20 Years in State Prison for Daylight Stabbing Murder in Downtown New Rochelle

Written By: Robert Cox

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Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that Laurell Smith (DOB 02/12/90) of 311 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York was sentenced today to 20 years in state prison on his conviction after a jury trial of:

one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree, a class “B” Felony,

for a daytime stabbing on September 18th, 2010 on North Avenue in New Rochelle, resulting in the death of Kevin Williams.

In addition, the defendant was sentenced to an indeterminate term of one to three years in prison to be served concurrently on a violation of probation resulting from his arrest and conviction in this case.

Rico Johnson (DOB 03/11/91) of 311 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York had previously pled guilty on March 11th, 2011 to:

one count of Hindering Prosecution in the Second Degree, a class “E” Felony,
one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence, a class “E” Felony

and was sentenced on June 14th, 2011.

A third defendant had previously pled guilty on March 11th, 2011 to:

one count of Hindering Prosecution in the Second Degree, a class “E” Felony,
one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence, a class “E” Felony.

and was sentenced as a Youthful Offender on June 14th, 2011.

On September 18, 2010 at approximately 2:30 p.m., the victim was walking on North Avenue with his uncle. As they passed 311 North Avenue, the defendant Laurell Smith yelled something out of a window at the victim who then yelled back and a verbal argument took place.
The victim and his uncle continued walking on North Avenue.

Smith then exited his residence, caught up with Williams where words continued to be exchanged. During this exchange, the defendant pulled a knife from his waistband and stabbed the victim in the abdomen.

Police responded to the scene and the victim was removed by ambulance to Sound Shore Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 3:51 p.m.

During the ensuing police investigation, Rico Johnson detained later in his apartment told police that he saw the knife on his bedroom dresser – a short time later the third defendant arrived asking for the knife.

That defendant, detained later in her apartment after allowing the police to enter showed them where she had secreted the knife.

Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Strongin and Assistant District Attorney Shameika Mathurin of the Superior Court Trial Division prosecuted the case.

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