Woodbury, NJ – A jury found Christian Smith, 27, of Woolwich, guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose Tuesday following a two-week trial before the Honorable William Ziegler, J.S.C. According to documents filed in this case and the evidence presented at trial: On Oct. 9, 2021, Smith and his stepfather Dennis McKenzie, Jr., were arguing in their home over offensive comments Smith made about the sexuality of McKenzie’s daughter and her friend.
Smith’s mother and sister attempted to diffuse the satiation, with his mother putting herself between the two men. As the argument escalated, McKenzie attempted to hit Smith, who 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.” “This conviction is the result of thorough investigative work and strong collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors from the outset of this case,” Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns said. “The jury’s verdict underscores the strength of the evidence presented and our office’s continued commitment to protecting the safety of our communities.”
Sentencing is scheduled for February 20, 2026. Smith is facing a minimum of 30 years and up to life in state prison. The State was represented at trial by Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Brook. Prosecutor Johns credited detectives from GCPO’s Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Unit, and High Tech Crimes Unit with the investigation that led to this conviction.
Prosecutor Johns also thanked the Woolwich Police Department for their assistance in
the investigation.
Defense Counsel: Logan Terry, Esq. of Cinnaminson, NJ.