California Man, Jahon Terez Smith Charged in Two-Decade-Old Gang Shooting that Took Father and Daughter

 

In California, a man has been accused of the killings of a young father and his 3-year-old daughter, who were tragically caught in gang-related crossfire more than two decades ago outside his grandmother's house.

According to a news release by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, Jahon Terez Smith, also known as "Quant," now 48, faces charges linked to a series of shootings in 2001 that resulted in the deaths of Stephen Murphy and his daughter Kali, along with injuries to two others in Compton. 

The charges include two counts of murder and four counts of attempted willful and deliberate murder with the use of a handgun, bearing special circumstances of multiple murders.

Expressing relief at the developments, Stephen Murphy's mother, Phyllis Murphy, stated, "We feel that justice may not always be swift, but it will be sweet," during a press conference. Gascón extended his sympathies to the Murphy family, emphasizing the significance of solving long-standing cold cases.

The incident, which took place on August 8, 2001, unfolded as Smith reportedly collaborated with a group to carry out drive-by shootings targeting Hispanics in retaliation for a previous gang-related shooting. Murphy and his daughter were shot while he attempted to usher her to safety inside his grandmother's home amid the gunfire.

Accounts from the scene painted a harrowing picture, with LA County Sheriff's Lt. Hugo Reynaga revealing, "Stephen snatched Kali out of the car and made a dash for his grandmother's front door in order to protect Kali. But that day, evil won." Witnesses recounted how Murphy held his daughter even as he succumbed to the attack.

Smith was incarcerated without bail on October 30 and is scheduled for arraignment on November 29. If found guilty, he could face a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

[SOURCE]