State of Georgia v. Tye Smith

Fort Valley, Georgia criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with voluntary manslaughter.



Tye Smith, age 17, was accused for shooting and killing Shalandra Hooten at the R& R Quick Stop on October 22, 2023.



Hooten had just finished paying at the register and was punched by Tye's mother, Katrina Smith, starting a physical altercation between the two women.



D.A. Howard spoke on the case following the guilty plea and sentencing.



"This tragic and dangerous incident left one person dead, one child in prison and put community members at risk,” said Howard. "Using firearms to resolve issues like this is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated in this jurisdiction. This is a significant sentence for a 17-year-old, over a situation that I believe could have been de-escalated. As adults, we have a responsibility to serve as role models for peaceful resolution of conflict for our children. That did not happen here, and now a child will spend a significant part of his life behind bars.” Ms. Smith, who was present at the plea and sentencing, expressed her regret for the role her actions played in this tragic event."

Defendant elected to plead guilty.