Former Oakland Raiders DE Anthony Smith convicted of murder

Former Raiders defensive end Anthony Smith was convicted on three counts of murder on Thursday (Nov. 11), reports Yahoo Sports. If convicted of murder, Smith faces a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

Defense lawyer Michael Evans said he would likely file a motion to set aside the guilty verdicts, saying jurors “didn’t follow the law and were confused how the law applies”. The titles included “Kill Without Joy!”

No murder weapons were recovered, no DNA evidence was presented, and prosecutors didn’t address possible motives at trial.

In 2012, Smith faced a murder charge in connection with his death, but the jury deadlocked.

Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Chung said outside court, “I believe they came back with a just verdict”.

Smith’s prosecution stands as one of the most serious criminal cases brought against a string of National Football League veterans in recent years, the majority of them on charges of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Anthony Smith was found guilty of killing brothers Kevin Nettles and Ricky Nettes in 1999. The brothers were found shot to death and their bodies dumped about eight miles apart after they were kidnapped from a Los Angeles auto wash. Smith had branded Ricky Nettles’ stomach with a clothing iron.

The third involved the June 2001 beating and stabbing death of Dennis Henderson. Smith was also found guilty in the special circumstance allegations of kidnapping and torture of all three men.

It’s not entirely clear who Smith’s father was but his mother’s partner, James Gallop, was known for being violent and having a temper, according to a family friend of the Smith’s.

Los Angeles Raiders defensive lineman Anthony Smith celebrates during the raiders 24-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 5, 1993.