GLOUCESTER COUNTY, PA — Christian Smith, 28, has been sentenced to 65 years in prison for the October 2021 shooting death of his stepfather, 43-year-old Dennis McKenzie, Jr. Smith will be eligible for parole after serving 85% of his sentence.
The Shooting Incident
The fatal incident occurred on October 9, 2021, at the family home in Woolwich, a small township in the Philadelphia metro area. According to prosecutors, Smith and McKenzie argued over offensive comments Smith made about the sexuality of his sister’s houseguest. Smith was staying temporarily with his mother and stepfather while visiting relatives in New Jersey.
The argument escalated when Smith used an anti-LGBTQ slur. McKenzie reportedly threw a punch at Smith, after which Smith pulled a Glock 19 9 mm handgun from his waistband and fired multiple shots, striking McKenzie once in the face and three times in the back. Smith then disassembled the gun and recorded himself saying, “That’s what he gets.”
Trial and Verdict
During the trial, Smith’s defense claimed the shooting occurred during a struggle over the gun, arguing that some shots were accidental. Prosecutors dismissed this, pointing to evidence that multiple shots were fired intentionally. Jurors ultimately found Smith guilty of first-degree murder.
Official Statements
First Assistant Prosecutor Dana Anton described the shooting as deliberate, noting that Smith fired over his mother’s body to strike McKenzie multiple times. Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns stated, “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s violent actions and ensures he will be held accountable for taking a life.”
