JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — 10 A.M. WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Donald Smith sentencing is passed to May 2. Smith was found guilty of the 2013 kidnapping, rape and murder of 8-year-old Cherish Perrywinkle.
ON TV: Action News Jax will have the latest updates from court on CBS47 at Noon.
LIVE STREAM: Click the video feed below for live video updates from court:
Follow Action News Jax reporter, Bridgette Matter, @BridgetteANjax on twitter for the latest from inside the courtroom.
LISTEN: Donald Smith Trial Podcast Special
A judge will ultimately decide the fate of Donald Smith. Smith was found guilty in February for the 2013 kidnapping, murder, and rape of 8-year-old Cherish Perrywinkle. The judge will review evidence the jury has not seen.
Smith will either receive the death penalty or life in prison without parole. The jury recommended the death penalty.
Sentencing is passed to May 2nd @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 28, 2018
"I never really believed in monsters. I do now." Cherish's father writes an impact statement read to the court by his lawyer. #DonaldSmith @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 28, 2018
"Now my life is filled with sorrow...how horrible those last moments must have been for her." @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 28, 2018
"Words cannot describe the impact of losing a child... I never believed in angels until Cherish came into my life." -Cherish's Father @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 28, 2018
Wilkerson reading Fathers statement. Thanking the SAO, court, and JSO, and the defense for their professionalism. #DonaldSmith
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 28, 2018
Defense motions for new trial. Judge denies it. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 28, 2018
Rayne Perrywinkle is upset a woman is in the courtroom asking her to be removed. The woman is a writer from NYC. Perrywinkle says the woman is stalking her, the woman says she is not. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 28, 2018
We are still waiting for the judge to take the bench. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 28, 2018
The hearing today is called a 'Spencer Hearing' it allows for the defense to present additional evidence before the judge will hand down a sentence. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 28, 2018
A juror in this case is here. @ActionNewsJax
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 28, 2018
A jury unanimously recommended death for #DonaldSmith last month. In a hearing today we will hear from the state and the defense and the judge could make her decision. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/R6dOug6mdl
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 28, 2018
DONALD SMITH: Doctor says 'most sociopaths have a very good side to them'
This morning a judge will decide if 8 y/o Cherish Perrywinkle's killer will be put to death. In February jurors recommended the death penalty for #DonaldSmith. pic.twitter.com/WHX0sVrrpN
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) March 28, 2018
The judge will have final say on whether or not #DonaldSmith will be put to death for kidnapping, raping, and killing the #Jax 8 y/o. @ActionNewsJax law and safety expert says the judge will review evidence, even some that was not seen by jurors. pic.twitter.com/WofZqnH7He
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) March 28, 2018
If the judge decides against the death penalty for #DonaldSmith, he will be sentenced to life in prison. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/GrEUQw440r
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) March 28, 2018
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