Man Guilty Of Manslaughter In Baby's Death

Adrian Smith was on trial for second-degree murder in the death of a 4-month-old baby boy he called his son. After more than two hours of deliberation Friday afternoon, the jury found him guilty of a lesser charge: manslaughter.

Smith said all along the baby's death was an accident, but prosecutors tried to convince the jury Smith stuffed a baby wipe down the boy's throat on purpose.

In closing arguments, Smith's attorney said the state didn't have a strong enough case for a conviction.

"We would suggest to you that whatever that evidence points to both a conclusion that somebody did this intentionally, deliberately, or a conclusion that this happened accidentally, then certainly that is a doubt that is reasonable," defense attorney Lewis Buzzell told the jury. "It's barely 50-50, much less meeting the high standard of proof that the state is required to present to you in order to justify a conviction of second-degree murder for this man."

The jury apparently agreed, finding Smith responsible for the child's death, but not a killer.

Smith showed little emotion as the verdict was read.

The child's mother, Denneka Steadman, said she was satisfied with the conviction on a lesser charge because he will go to prison and it brings her some closure.

"Even though it's a lesser charge, he's got previous charges that's going to make that charge stick harder," Steadman. "He's going to do some time in jail."

Smith, 36, has been held without bond since days after the baby's February 2006 death.

Channel 4's Dan Leveton said Smith faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. A sentencing hearing will be held later this month.

During the five-day trial, Smith testified that he thought of the 4-month-old victim as his son, even though he was not his biological father.

On the stand, Smith said that on the day the boy died, he had given him a bottle and put a wipe on his chest. He then noticed the child gagging and having trouble breathing and took him to Wolfson Children's Hospital.

White said he broke down and cried when doctors told him the baby had died.

"I love my son," Smith testified. "I would not do that to my son."

Earlier in the trial, prosecutors presented evidence and witnesses saying the cloth was forced into the baby's mouth.

Smith's attorney said this was a difficult case for everyone involved.

"It's obvious (the jury) paid attention to our arguments and the evidence," Buzzell said. "In the final analysis, that's all that counts. We respect them for doing that."

Previous Stories:

• June 26, 2008: Man Accused Of Killing Baby Testifies
• June 25, 2008: Man On Trial In Death Of 4-Month-Old Boy
• February 11, 2006: Father Accused Of Killing 4-Month-Old Son