NJ man sentenced to 65 years in prison for killing stepfather
Smith then pulled a 9mm handgun from his waistband, held it over his mother and shot McKenzie once in the face and three times in the back.
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A Woolwich man was sentenced Friday to 65 years in state prison for the 2021 shooting death of his stepfather, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors said Christian Smith, 28, and his stepfather, Dennis McKenzie Jr., were arguing in their home on Oct. 9, 2021, over offensive comments Smith made about the sexuality of McKenzie’s daughter and her friend. Smith’s mother and sister tried to defuse the situation.
As the argument escalated, prosecutors said McKenzie attempted to hit Smith. Smith then pulled a 9mm handgun from his waistband, held it over his mother and shot McKenzie once in the face and three times in the back.
Smith then disassembled the gun and recorded himself saying, “that’s what he gets,” prosecutors said.
Smith was found guilty Jan. 20 of murder and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose. Prosecutors said he must serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s violent actions and ensures he will be held accountable for taking a life,” Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns said. “I commend the work of the trial team in presenting the evidence in this case and securing a verdict that delivered justice for the victim.”
