Manatee County – starts about 10:50 a.m.

Mr. Smith was convicted of the first-degree murder of Kathleen Briles, who was beaten to death in 2009. The jury unanimously recommended a death sentence, and the trial court sentenced Mr. Smith to death. This Court upheld the conviction and sentence on direct appeal. Mr. Smith filed post-conviction challenges in the trial court, which were denied. This appeal followed.

Appearance for Appellant:
Rachel P. Roebuck, Asst. CCRC, Temple Terrace, 813-558-1600

Appearance for Appellee:
Timothy A. Freeland, Asst. Attorney General, Tampa, 813-287-7910