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POLICE KILLED HIS FRIEND, But HE Got 30 Years for Murder | The LaKeith Smith Case ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: This story involves a controversial police shooting and the death of a teenager. At just 15 years old, LaKeith Smith joined four other teens in burglarizing homes in Millbrook, Alabama. When police arrived, a shootout broke out. 16-year-old A’Donte Washington was shot and killed — by police, not by LaKeith. Yet LaKeith was charged and later convicted of murder under Alabama’s felony murder rule — even though he didn’t have a gun, didn’t shoot anyone, and didn’t cause the death. He was sentenced to 65 years in prison, later reduced to 30 years. As of April 2025, he’s still behind bars, fighting for his freedom — and his case has reignited national debate over one of America’s most controversial laws. ⸻ WHAT HAPPENED On February 23, 2015, LaKeith and friends broke into several homes. A neighbor reported the burglary. When police arrived, A’Donte allegedly pointed a gun at them. Officers fired, killing him instantly. The surviving teens were charged not only with burglary and theft, but also felony murder — because someone died during the commission of their crime. ⸻ WHAT IS THE FELONY MURDER RULE? In 48 states, this law allows prosecutors to charge anyone involved in a felony with murder if a death occurs — even if they didn’t kill anyone. The logic: by committing the felony, you set in motion the events that led to the death. In LaKeith’s case: • He participated in a burglary. • Police responded and shot A’Donte. • Therefore, LaKeith was held legally responsible for his friend’s death. ⸻ THE TRIAL & SENTENCE In March 2018, at age 19, LaKeith was convicted of felony murder, burglary, and theft, receiving a 65-year sentence. The police officer who fired the shots was cleared of wrongdoing. Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, condemned the outcome, calling it an example of deep injustice in the U.S. legal system. ⸻ THE CONTROVERSY Critics argue the felony murder rule is unfair because it: • Punishes people for deaths they didn’t cause • Allows police-caused deaths to be blamed on civilians • Disproportionately affects Black youth • Values punishment over rehabilitation Supporters claim it ensures accountability and deters crime. LaKeith’s case highlights multiple issues: • He was 15 but tried as an adult • He didn’t kill anyone • He got decades in prison, while the officer faced no charges ⸻ FIGHT FOR FREEDOM In 2023, Judge Sibley Reynolds reduced LaKeith’s sentence to 30 years, giving him hope for eventual release. With credit for time served, he could leave prison in his late 40s. In April 2025, he returned to court seeking further reduction, arguing that his age, rehabilitation, and the circumstances of A’Donte’s death justify a lighter sentence. The judge’s decision is pending. LaKeith is now 25 years old and has spent a decade in prison. ⸻ REFORM MOVEMENT Some states are rethinking felony murder laws. • California now limits charges to those who were the killer or directly aided the killing. • Alabama reform advocates are pushing similar changes, though prosecutors insist the rule deters violent crime. ⸻ THE HUMAN COST • A’Donte Washington: 16, shot dead by police — unable to tell his story. • LaKeith Smith: 15 at arrest, 25 today — serving time for a murder he didn’t commit. ⸻ THE BIG QUESTIONS • Should a teen be punished for a police shooting? • Does the felony murder rule protect justice — or destroy it? • Should LaKeith get a second chance? LaKeith admits he made a terrible mistake by committing burglary — but should that mistake cost him 30 years of his life for a killing he didn’t cause? The case continues. The debate continues. And America is watching. ⸻ #LaKeithSmith #FelonyMurder #Alabama #JusticeReform #PoliceAccountability #ACLU #TrueCrime #AmericanShadow #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeSystem