Defendant Convicted of Murder, Arson, Felon in Possession of Firearm

DATE: April 22, 2022

CASE: Larry Smith (Case #20FE001479)

PROSECUTOR: Principal Criminal Attorney Casey Sinclair, Homicide Unit

Larry Smith was convicted by a jury of the second-degree murder of Frederick Gill, with the use of firearm causing death allegation found true.  Smith was also convicted of arson and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On December 8, 2019, Smith and the victim got into an argument. During the argument, neighbors heard gunfire and saw the victim on the ground. The victim had been shot eight times and succumbed to his injuries.  Smith fled the scene in the victim’s car.  Nearly one day later, Smith set the victim’s car on fire.  Minutes after the car was set aflame, Smith was pulled over during a traffic stop by the California Highway Patrol. The officer noted injuries to Smith’s person consistent with the arson and a mostly empty gas can with no lid in the backseat of the car.  Evidence found in the murder and arson crimes included items at the arson scene that were linked to Smith by DNA, trace evidence as well as surveillance video from nearby homes and POD cameras.  The gun used in the murder was never recovered.

An allegation that Smith suffered a prior 2018 strike conviction for participation in a criminal street gang will be determined at sentencing.

Smith faces a maximum sentence of 55 years to life in prison.  Sentencing is set for June 24, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in Department 14 before the Honorable Tami Bogert.

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