A Pennsylvania man will spend several decades in prison for fatally shooting his stepfather during an argument about his sister’s houseguest while visiting relatives in New Jersey.
Christian Smith, 28, was found guilty this January by a jury of murder in the first degree in connection with the October 2021 shooting of 43-year-old Dennis McKenzie, Jr.
This week, Gloucester County Superior Court Judge William Ziegler sentenced Smith to 65 years in prison, with eligibility for parole only after serving at least 85% of the sentence.
The incident took place on October 9, 2021, at the family home in Woolwich Township, a small community in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Argument Over Sister’s Houseguest Escalates
Prosecutors said that on the day of the shooting, Smith and his stepfather were arguing over offensive comments Smith made about the sexuality of McKenzie’s daughter and her friend. At the time, Smith was temporarily staying with his mother and stepfather and became upset about his sister’s LGBTQ houseguest.
During the trial, First Assistant Prosecutor Dana Anton explained that Smith “made it known to his stepfather that he did not approve of that person coming into their house” because, in Smith’s view, “their house was a house of God,” according to a courtroom report by NJ.com.
Smith’s mother and sister reportedly attempted to diffuse the situation, with his mother physically placing herself between the two men, but the intervention failed. The argument escalated when Smith used an anti-LGBTQ slur, prompting the stepfather to throw a punch.
Fatal Shooting and Recording
According to prosecutors, Smith then pulled a Glock 19 9mm handgun from his waistband, holding it over his mother and repeatedly shooting McKenzie. The victim was shot once in the face and three times in the back. After the shooting, Smith disassembled the gun and recorded himself saying,
“That’s what he gets.”
During the trial, the defense argued that the shooting occurred during a struggle over the gun, claiming that several shots were fired accidentally before Smith gained control and continued firing. Prosecutors rejected this account, noting inconsistencies with evidence and arguing that accidental discharge could not explain three shots fired deliberately over the victim.
Anton stated during a pretrial hearing:
“He took the gun out from behind him, reached over her, and fired three times. You can’t accidentally shoot somebody three times.”
Ultimately, the jury agreed with the state’s argument, convicting Smith of first-degree murder.
Prosecutor Statement and Community Impact
Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns emphasized the severity of Smith’s actions, stating:
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s violent actions and ensures he will be held accountable for taking a life.”
The case has drawn attention to the tragic consequences of domestic conflicts escalating to lethal violence and highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in addressing anti-LGBTQ sentiments and family disputes.
Summary Table of Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Christian Smith, 28 |
| Victim | Dennis McKenzie, Jr., 43 |
| Location | Woolwich Township, New Jersey |
| Date of Incident | October 9, 2021 |
| Crime | First-degree murder |
| Weapon | Glock 19 9mm handgun |
| Sequence of Events | Argument over sister’s LGBTQ houseguest → Smith used anti-LGBTQ slur → stepfather threw punch → Smith shot McKenzie 4 times → recorded video stating “That’s what he gets” |
| Trial Outcome | Convicted of first-degree murder by jury |
| Sentence | 65 years in prison; eligible for parole after serving 85% |
| Defense Claim | Accidental shooting during struggle over gun |
| Prosecutor Statement | Sentence reflects seriousness of violent actions |
Christian Smith was sentenced to 65 years in prison for the deliberate murder of his stepfather during an argument over a family dispute. The case illustrates the devastating consequences of escalating domestic conflicts and the lethal outcomes of targeted violence.
Prosecutors emphasized accountability and the premeditated nature of the crime, ensuring that Smith faces a lengthy sentence reflective of the severity of his actions.
