BALTIMORE — Valeria Smith, daughter to Keith Smith who will stand trial for the murder of his wife in the so-called panhandler murder has pleaded guilty to accessory to the murder.
Smith pleaded guilty to being an accessory after giving false statements to police and the media and assisted in the coverup by tossing Jacquelyn Smith’s pocketbook, disposing of the murder weapon and assisting in Keith Smith’s attempted flee to Mexico.
READ MORE: Failed flight of accused father/daughter murder duo
Valeria and her father Keith Smith originally told police Jacquelyn Smith was killed by a panhandler in December 2018. Police later arrested the father-daughter duo near the Mexico border and extradited them to Baltimore to face charges.
Keith Smith meanwhile is scheduled to stand trial for the murder of his wife Jacquelyn in January. I asked if the plea deal struck by his daughter means she will testify against him, but her attorney says those details are sealed for the time being. @WMAR2News
— Brian Kuebler (@BrianKuebler_) September 26, 2019
State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby reacted to the plea.
“Today, Valeria Smith rightfully pled guilty for her involvement in the murder of her stepmother, Jacquelyn Smith," said Mosby. "This murder impacted our city and Jacquelyn’s family in ways unimaginable and my hope is today’s results brings the family one step closer towards healing for their daughter, sister, friend and loved one. Our office will continue to fight tirelessly to deliver justice for all victims and witnesses of crime.”
