Former Montgomery police officer Aaron Cody Smith will soon walk free from an Alabama prison. It comes nearly eight years to the day after a fateful, on-duty encounter that cost a man his life and set Smith on a multi-year court battle to stay out of prison.
Former Montgomery police officer Aaron Cody Smith learned Wednesday he'll be released after entering a plea during a"Rule 32" petition hearing in Montgomery.MONTGOMERY, Ala. -
I firmly believe that Mr. Smith was due a new trial, but after eight years of watching this protracted litigation, I exerted my authority to bring this case to a close. Mr. Smith has pleaded guilty to the offense for which he was convicted, in exchange for returning to his family. I believe that this is a fair and appropriate outcome.
During the hearing, the judge accepted Smith’s plea to manslaughter for the Feb. 25, 2016, death of 59-year-old Gregory Gunn. Smith was serving a 14-year prison sentence at Limestone Correctional Facility following his 2019 manslaughter conviction. Following the plea, the judge agreed to sentence Smith to a split 18-month sentence followed by a 90-day probation, which, when added together, equals 21 months, the amount of time Smith has already spent behind bars.
William Boyd, a Gunn family representative, told WSFA 12 News, the family does not think justice was served and that the family did not get a say in the decision after meeting with AG Marshall a week ago. Boyd said Marshall told them if the case went back to trial, Smith could be found not guilty or be released early even if it didn’t go back to trial.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Montgomery police officer Aaron Cody Smith to be released from prisonMontgomery, Alabama
Read more »
Alabama AG takes over prosecution of convicted ex-Montgomery officer Aaron Cody SmithAG Steve Marshall’s office notified Montgomery County District Attorney Daryl Bailey of the decision on Monday, the DA’s office confirmed.
Read more »
Aaron Zahn, Ryan Wannemacher: Federal fraud trial of former JEA executives startsOpening statements are expected to begin Wednesday in the federal fraud trial of former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn and former CFO Ryan Wannemacher, with unanswered questions about who enabled the failed sale.
Read more »
2 former FirstEnergy executives, former state utility regulator charged in HB6 bribery scandalCourtney is a digital producer at News 5. She loves all things Cleveland and is a huge sports fan.
Read more »
Former PUCO chairman, former FirstEnergy executives indicted in connection to HB-6 scandalA Summit County grand jury has indicted three men and two entities on public corruption charges vis-a-vis
Read more »
More apartment issues brought before Montgomery City CouncilA total of 10 apartment complexes have been called before the Montgomery City Council for review.
Read more »