My husband , Shawn Smith, is currently in prison in TDC for a crime he did not commit. As his case story is kind of a long one I will try to make it short and if have any questions don’t hesitate to ask me. He was arrested on July 17th, 2015 for capital murder under law of parties. This was 2 days after the police had searched our house in which we later found out they did not even have warrant signed when entered our home. Among many other things we found out they did illegally that day.
The DA even said they believed Shawn was a scapegoat in this whole crime and was set up by the 2 guys whom did do it. Both of which those guys were arrested as well went to trial and got life without parole. Shawn was told by his court appointed lawyer that the best he could do was get his charge dropped to aggravated robbery and 25 years. Which he ended up taking because as the DA is telling him and us one thing behind closed doors about how the know what a good guy he is and was set up and all, they in turn in front of judge lash out if he doesn’t take 25 they will make sure he gets life also!
Shawn has never been in trouble before, not even a misdemeanor. He had 2 jobs (which his bosses are still holding for him). Being that I have chronic kidney stone disease and on disability Shawn took care of me and made sure that I was always taken care of. We have about 30 letters from friends, family, co-workers in support of Shawn that wrote on his behalf to the DA. None of this was brought up or used by his lawyer to help him. Everytime we asked the lawyer to see about this or ask about this we were told no or just never was brought up again. The 2 years and 4 months Shawn was in jail the lawyer saw him 6 times usually only for 10-20 minutes.
Now I am finding out there is a lot more that could have been done and brought to attention and Shawn may have a much lesser sentence or be home! With all this said we really would like to get a lawyer and appeal his case. Of course we don’t have $50,000 that some lawyers want for this type of case and fear of getting court appointed again whom did not seem to care. I have found a couple of lawyers who will do part of it pro bono but still need $10,000. So reaching out and asking whatever you can do to help us get there would be greatly appreciated!!!

Shanell Sorrells-Smith