North Carolina Man Convicted for Staging Murder as Self-Defense
A North Carolina man has been found guilty of murder after staging a woman's death to make it appear as an act of self-defense. Wilson Justice Xavier Smith, 27, was convicted on Thursday, January 22, of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, according to Solicitor David Stumbo in a press release.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
The case dates back to December 2022, when officials responded to a 911 call at the Burfield Apartment complex in Greenwood, South Carolina. The caller, later identified as Smith, reported that a man had shot a woman who attempted to shoot him first. Upon arrival, officers discovered 22-year-old Ahkeyra Raysor dead from a gunshot wound to the head, found on a bed with a shotgun placed conspicuously on her body.
Smith initially claimed that Raysor fired the shotgun at him first, and he shot her in self-defense. However, officers immediately suspected his story was fabricated based on evidence at the scene. Stumbo noted that DNA analysis of the shotgun revealed Smith's DNA and that of three unknown individuals, but no DNA from Raysor, contradicting his account.
Evidence of Staging and Deception
Authorities spoke to witnesses following the 911 call, who provided versions of events that did not align with Smith's story. Investigators concluded that Smith staged the crime scene and fabricated his self-defense claims. Additionally, it was determined that Smith removed the murder weapon from the scene, further pointing to his deliberate attempt to deceive law enforcement.
Stumbo described the act as "a calculated and violent act, followed by a deliberate attempt to deceive law enforcement and escape responsibility." He emphasized that the truth prevailed due to a total team effort involving investigators, prosecutors, victim advocates, and administrative staff.
Trial and Sentencing
The trial lasted two weeks, with the jury deliberating for over 10 hours before finding Smith guilty. Circuit Judge Donald B. Hocker sentenced Smith to 40 years in prison for the murder charge and an additional five years for the weapon charge. Under South Carolina law, those convicted of murder must serve their sentence day-for-day, making Smith ineligible for parole.
Following the verdict, Stumbo praised the efforts of his staff, lead investigator Major Blake Shockley, and members of the Greenwood Police Department for their hard work. He highlighted that the ruling was the result of a collaborative effort to ensure justice for crime victims and maintain community safety in Greenwood.
