Corey Smith Guilty in 2002 Shooting Death of Grandmother During Gun Battle

Defendant Faces 25 Years in Prison in Shooting of Lynette Reese

Atlanta-Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announces that Corey Smith (28) has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in the 19 March 2002 shooting death of Lynette Reese (61). Ms. Reese, a grandmother and active member of her church, was speaking with a friend on the telephone in her apartment at 910 New Town Circle in southeast Atlanta when Smith and co-defendants Chenard Carter (21) and Deante Nesmith (22) became engaged in a shoot-out outside of the building. Carter, armed with an AK-47 assault rifle, fired the first shots at the other defendants, who returned fire. A stray bullet entered Ms. Reese’s apartment, traveled through two walls, and struck her in the abdomen. Ms. Reese died on April 14.

Following a pre-sentencing investigation, Smith faces up to 25 years in prison. Because the defendant is a recidivist, the State will request the maximum sentence.

Senior Assistant District Attorneys Michele McCutcheon and Chris Ward prosecuted the case; Atlanta Police Detective R. Scandrick investigated; and Judge Doris Downs presided.

CONTACT: Erik Friedly, 404-224-0560 (office); 404-533-1381 (pager)