A67964700

In August 2009, Smith and Latricia Jackson had their fourth child, D.J. Soon after D.J. was born, temporary custody was granted to the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. D.J. was placed in foster care in the home of Latosha Tye while services were offered to reunite D.J. with Smith and Jackson.

When D.J. first came to his foster home, he was a healthy and happy child. But in July 2011, Smith and Jackson were granted a 30-day period of temporary custody in anticipation of their gaining permanent custody. Approximately one week into the 30-day visitation, D.J. required hospitalization for a seizure. When Tye visited D.J. in the hospital, she observed that D.J. had a black eye and a bruise on his back. After the hospitalization, D.J. was released back into the care of Smith and Jackson. On October 21, 2011, Smith called 911 to report that D.J. had suffered a seizure. When emergency personnel arrived at the residence, D.J. was unresponsive. Smith informed them that he had administered an anti-seizure medication and had attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation. D.J. was immediately taken to the hospital emergency room, where he was pronounced dead.

The next day, police questioned Smith about the events preceding D.J.’s death. Smith stated, “I did it.” When asked what he had done, Smith stated that he had punched D.J. in the stomach. Jackson had testified that Smith had abused D.J. numerous times because Smith believed he was not D.J.’s father. She stated that Smith treated D.J. differently from their other children.

The coroner concluded that D.J. died as a result of trauma to his abdominal area and the injury had occurred within 24 to 48 hours before his death. The trauma, which was consistent with a punch, had caused a portion of D.J.’s intestinal tract to hemorrhage and to cease functioning. The doctor concluded that the manner of death had been homicide.



Smith was D.J.’s parent, whether Smith questioned his paternity matters not. Smith had a trusted role in society to keep D.J. safe, healthy, and protected. Smith violated that trusted rule and failed in his responsibility in the worst way imaginable. A two-year-old child died before his life even started and this death was no accident—he was killed by his own father. This Office vehemently opposes any kind of early release for Smith. Smith has barely served his sentence’s minimum and releasing him at this juncture would be an insult to D.J.’s young lost life and the gravity of Smith’s violation of his sacred parental responsibility.

Public Hearing Comments