Justin Smith Trial: Man Accused of Killing Pregnant Girlfriend Claims 2021 Shooting Was Accidental

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia murder trial took a dramatic turn Thursday when Justin Smith, 28, took the witness stand and told jurors that the 2021 death of his pregnant girlfriend, 21-year-old Dianna Brice, was the result of an accidental shooting.

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Smith is facing trial in connection with Brice’s death. Brice was approximately 14 weeks pregnant when she was killed.

During his testimony, Smith disputed the prosecution’s account of the killing and attempted to explain the circumstances that preceded Brice’s death. He told jurors that the couple were inside his vehicle discussing a health-related issue when Brice became upset.

According to Smith, Brice produced a firearm during the confrontation and pointed it toward his head multiple times before turning the weapon toward herself.

Smith testified that he attempted to move the firearm away from Brice and that the gun discharged during the struggle.

Prosecutors challenge accidental-shooting account
Prosecutors strongly challenged Smith’s version of events, focusing on the number and location of Brice’s injuries.

The Commonwealth pointed to evidence indicating that Brice suffered 11 gunshot wounds, arguing that the circumstances were inconsistent with Smith’s description of a single accidental discharge.

Prosecutors also questioned Smith about the location of some of Brice’s wounds, including injuries on the left side of her face, and raised the issue of Brice being right-handed.

Smith maintained that Brice had been holding the gun with her left hand at the time of the shooting.

The competing accounts have become a central issue in the trial as jurors weigh Smith’s testimony against the physical evidence and testimony presented by prosecutors.

Brice’s body later discovered in Southwest Philadelphia
Following the shooting, Brice’s body was eventually discovered in Southwest Philadelphia.

According to evidence presented in court, her body had been wrapped in a comforter and trash bags.

The prosecution has used the events surrounding the disposal of Brice’s body as part of its case against Smith, arguing that his actions after the shooting demonstrate consciousness of guilt.

Smith, however, has offered his own account of what happened after Brice was killed.

Smith admits fleeing Philadelphia
Smith acknowledged that he left Philadelphia after Brice’s death and eventually traveled to Miami with Tylydia Garnett, who has already pleaded guilty to her involvement in the aftermath of the case.

Garnett previously testified for the prosecution and provided jurors with an account of what she says happened after Brice was killed.

According to Garnett’s testimony, Smith pointed a gun at her and demanded that she help him.

Smith denied that accusation when he took the stand.

Garnett also testified about helping move Brice’s body and purchasing gasoline that prosecutors say was later used to set Smith’s vehicle on fire.

Burning vehicle and discarded cellphone
Smith also testified about the efforts to conceal evidence following Brice’s death.

He acknowledged that the gun remained inside the vehicle when it was burned.

Smith further testified that he threw his cellphone from the vehicle while traveling along Interstate 95.

Prosecutors have presented these actions as evidence that Smith attempted to avoid detection and conceal his involvement in the events surrounding Brice’s death.

The defense has sought to provide jurors with Smith’s explanation of those events while disputing the prosecution’s characterization of his conduct.

More than four years on the run
After leaving Philadelphia, Smith remained a fugitive for more than four years.

Authorities eventually located and captured him in Atlanta earlier this year, bringing an end to the lengthy period during which he had avoided arrest.

His time as a fugitive is another significant element of the prosecution’s case, while the defense maintains that the jury must determine his guilt based on the evidence presented at trial.

Pregnancy adds another dimension to tragedy
Brice’s death has drawn particular attention because she was 14 weeks pregnant at the time.

Her death ended not only the life of a 21-year-old woman but also the pregnancy she was carrying.

The case has left Brice’s family and loved ones waiting years for the criminal proceedings to reach trial and for a jury to determine what happened.

Closing arguments expected Friday
With Smith’s testimony now before the jury, the trial is moving toward its final stage.

Closing arguments are scheduled for Friday, after which the jury is expected to begin deliberating over the evidence and competing accounts presented during the proceedings.

Jurors will ultimately have to determine whether prosecutors have proven the charges against Smith beyond a reasonable doubt.

The defense’s accidental-shooting theory will be weighed against the physical evidence, witness testimony and Smith’s actions following Brice’s death.

Smith’s testimony is his account of the events and has been disputed by prosecutors. He is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.

The verdict will determine whether the jury accepts the prosecution’s claim that Brice was intentionally killed or Smith’s account that the fatal shooting occurred accidentally during a struggle over the firearm.