State Rests Case in Michael Smith Trial

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — On Friday, the state rest it’s case in the Michael Juan Smith Trial. Smith is on trial in the shooting of USC Student, Martha Childress, that left her paralyzed nearly two years ago. In the courtroom Friday, the supervisor of the Midlands Gang Task Force said Smith is a documented gang member. Captain Vincent Goggins said Michael Juan Smith is a self-admitted gang member and has been since age 15. During Friday’s testimony, Captain Goggins identified Smith in images of him showing gang signs and also explained a tattoo identifying him with a gang. “At the time, he had a 5 point crown which is significant to the blood street gang,” explained Goggins. “They identify with the number 5.” During the trial this week, the defense has mentioned 3 other men in five points that morning may have been in gangs but Captain Goggins said none of those men showed up in the database. However, he explained in that database, Smith appears to show a history of gang-related violence. On Friday, the defense started calling witnesses after the state rest it’s case. The defense called Michael Smith’s mother and father along with a digital forensics expert. Christopher Watkins analyzed several of the videos captured on five points cameras that morning and argued Smith was not the only one by the fountain area with a gun. Court will resume Monday at 9:30. The judge said he expects the jury to be handed the case to deliberate by Monday afternoon.