After six years in jail awaiting trial for his alleged role in a shootout that resulted in the death of a Charlotte nursing student, Adonis Smith, 23, was released on bond this week. Smith, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, is accused of being involved in a 2019 incident that claimed the life of Kendal Crank, as per information obtained by QC News.
Crank, a 27-year-old mother of two, was unintentionally hit by a stray bullet during an alleged exchange of gunfire between Smith and others. The fatal incident took place while Crank was en route to nursing school. Despite the lengthy pre-trial incarceration, Smith's bond was set at $10,000 and subsequently posted, according to court records cited by WCNC.
The first trial ended in a mistrial when jurors could not reach a unanimous decision on multiple charges ranging from discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle to self-defense. Justin Olsinki, Smith's defense attorney, argued that his client was "a sitting duck" during the incident, and that he acted instantly to what he believed was a threat. Special deputy attorney general Arneatha James, however, pointed to Smith's purported lack of remorse following the shooting, highlighting his unemotional reaction to the revelation that he had killed someone, as stated in a report by WCNC.
The community and Crank’s family are now faced with uncertainty about whether the case will see another trial or wind toward a plea deal. Irrespective of Smith's bond release, the pain lingers for Crank's loved ones. "We keep fighting" were the words of Ari Simpson, Crank's cousin, in the wake of the mistrial. She emphasized the family's determination to seek justice, proclaiming that they are not done yet, despite the mistrial and the ensuing disappointment, according to an interview with WCNC.
While Smith can now await proceedings in relative freedom, two other suspects implicated in the event remain on the legal horizon. Details on Smith's bond were confirmed by a report from WSOCTV, which outlined the accused facing a bond reduction hearing prior to his release.
