Arthur Smith, a 37-year-old man accused of orchestrating a hit from jail, was sentenced yesterday to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 24 years for the 2021 murder of handyman Antwan Morris in Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood. According to the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, Smith got into an argument with Morris, who had been changing locks at a Casey Drive apartment when he fatally shot him. The Enquirer reported that Morris, also a father of three, was trying to provide for his children through his business endeavors and was considered by Assistant Prosecutor Katie Casch as "a truly innocent victim."
During the sentencing, grief was palpable as Morris' family delivered their statements. His sister Kelly Morris, in testimony laced with sorrow, labeled Smith as evil and dangerous and criticized him for his lack of remorse. "He destroyed my family," she said, according to The Enquirer. Meanwhile, Antwan's mother, Tracy Morris, shared with FOX19 last year, "His children don’t deserve not to have a father."
Smith was arrested ten days after the shooting on a then $250,000 bond and indicted on multiple charges, including two counts of murder and gun-related offenses. His prior assault conviction also made it illegal for him to possess a firearm, further complicating his legal situation, as noted by FOX19.
In a turn of events that highlights the ongoing criminal implications for Smith, he and 28-year-old Wendell Foster are accused of planning another murder while Smith is incarcerated. This alleged plot ultimately led to the death of Davonte Hollis in October 2022. Despite the claims, Smith's attorneys maintain that the jail calls thought to contain the murder plot were “indiscernible and open to interpretation," as stated in court documents obtained by The Enquirer. Foster's trial starts on October 15, while Smith will face his respective trial on December 2, details revealed by The Enquirer.
The case continues to unfold with significant community interest and sorrow for the victims' families. Smith’s actions have catalyzed discussions on gun violence, repeat offenders, and the broader implications of criminal activities conducted within the confines of the justice system. Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers conveyed the severity of Smith's actions, emphasizing the maximum sentence was warranted, a sentiment reflected in coverage from Local12.