Anthony Smith (Defensive End)
Convicted Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Lancaster, California
TIME PERIOD
2008
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
In October 2008, Maurilio Ponce was murdered in Lancaster, California, where he was beaten and shot; Anthony Wayne Smith, a former NFL defensive end, was charged with this crime in March 2011 alongside two accomplices. The case remains unresolved as Smith's trial is ongoing, with no final verdict reached at this time. Smith's criminal history also includes a 2003 firebombing charge that was dismissed after two juries failed to reach a verdict.
The content suggests speculation regarding Anthony Smith's violent tendencies, linking his NFL career and subsequent criminal activities, including a charge of firebombing and his eventual conviction for murder. Community theories may revolve around the idea that his physical aggression on the field translated into violent behavior off the field, raising questions about the impact of sports culture on personal conduct. Additionally, the unresolved nature of the firebombing charge implies a narrative of unresolved disputes that could have escalated into more severe criminal acts.
Anthony Smith: From NFL Player to Convicted Killer
Overview
Anthony Wayne Smith (born June 20, 1967) is an American former professional football player who played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) and later became a convicted serial killer. Drafted 11th overall by the Raiders in the 1990 NFL Draft, Smith's trajectory from the football field to the courtroom is a shocking narrative of talent intertwined with tragedy and violence.
Early Life and Football Career
Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Smith showed promise from a young age, leading to a successful college football career at the University of Arizona and then at the University of Alabama. At 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 265 pounds, he was a formidable presence on the field.
In the 1990 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders selected him in the first round as the 11th pick. However, his promising career faced an early setback when, during a practice session on August 29, 1990, Smith tore the medial collateral ligament and cartilage in his right knee, sidelining him for his entire rookie season.
Despite this early injury, Smith rebounded and signed a lucrative four-year contract extension with the Raiders worth $7.6 million after his third season. However, he opted out of his contract in 1997 and had a brief stint with the Denver Broncos, ultimately not playing in any regular-season games for them.
Legal Troubles: Firebombing Charge
In 2003, Smith's life took a darker turn when he was charged with firebombing a furniture store in Santa Monica, California. This act reportedly stemmed from a dispute with the store's owner over money and a consignment item. However, after two juries failed to reach a verdict, the judge dismissed the charge, allowing Smith to escape the legal consequences of this incident.
Murders, Trials, and Convictions
The most harrowing chapter of Smith's life unfolded in March 2011 when he, along with two accomplices, was charged with the brutal murder of Maurilio Ponce. Ponce, a mechanic, was beaten and shot in October 2008, with his body discarded near the Antelope Valley poppy fields, approximately 11 miles away from the crime scene. Prosecutors argued that the murder stemmed from a business deal gone awry.
In April 2011, the jury deliberated but deadlocked with an 8–4 vote in favor of a guilty verdict, resulting in a mistrial. While awaiting retrial, in July 2012, Smith faced additional charges for three other murders: the 1999 killings of brothers Kevin and Ricky Nettles, who were kidnapped from a Los Angeles car wash, and the fatal stabbing of Dennis Henderson in June 2001.
On October 12, 2012, a Los Angeles County judge determined there was enough evidence for Smith to stand trial for all four murders. Testimonies revealed that during the abduction of the Nettles brothers, Smith had impersonated a police detective, subjecting them to horrendous torture before their murders.
Finally, on November 5, 2015, after an arduous trial and eight days of jury deliberations, Smith was convicted of the murders of Ricky and Kevin Nettles and Dennis Henderson. The jury found special circumstances that included kidnapping, torture, and multiple murders. However, they deadlocked on the murder of Ponce, with a 9–3 split favoring guilt.
On January 22, 2016, Smith was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, sealing his fate as a notorious figure in both the sports and criminal worlds.
Personal Life
Smith's personal life has been tumultuous, marked by three marriages. His second wife was the well-known singer and actress Denise Matthews, famously known as Vanity. Their marriage lasted from 1995 to 1996. In 1997, Smith faced legal troubles again when he was arrested for domestic violence involving another woman, leading to a sentence of anger-management classes. He later married his third wife, Teresa Obello White.
Conclusion
The story of Anthony Smith is a haunting reminder of how quickly a life can spiral from athletic success to criminal infamy. From the excitement of the NFL to the chilling details of his violent crimes, his life encapsulates the complexities of human nature and the shadows that can lurk behind a seemingly successful exterior.
Sources
- "1990 NFL Draft Listing." Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- "Raider Top Draft Pick Smith is Sidelined by Knee Injury." Los Angeles Times. August 31, 1990.
- Rocha, Veronica. "Former Raiders player Anthony Wayne Smith convicted in 3 murders." Los Angeles Times (November 5, 2015).
- "Anthony Smith charged with murder." Associated Press. March 5, 2011.
- "Ex-Raider Ordered to Stand Trial for 4 Murders." Associated Press. October 13, 2012.
- Simmons, Ann M. "Details of slayings recalled at football player's hearing." Los Angeles Times. October 14, 2012.
- Rocha, Veronica. "Former Raiders player Anthony Wayne Smith sentenced to 3 life terms for murders." Los Angeles Times. January 22, 2016.
- "Jet." Jet. Johnson Publishing Company: 14. July 6, 1978. ISSN 0021-5996. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
- Dobie, Kathy. "Ex-Raider Anthony Smith's Murder Trial and Violent Past." GQ. January 23, 2013.
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Maurilio Ponce Murdered
Maurilio Ponce is beaten and shot in Lancaster, California.
Smith Charged with Murder
Anthony Smith and two others are charged with the murder of Maurilio Ponce.
Jury Deadlocks
The jury deadlocks in the Ponce murder case with a vote of 8-4 in favor of guilt.
Additional Murder Charges
Smith is charged with three additional murders, including the Nettles brothers and Dennis Henderson.
Trial Ordered
A judge finds sufficient evidence for Smith to stand trial for four murders.
Convicted of Three Murders
Smith is convicted of the murders of Ricky and Kevin Nettles and Dennis Henderson.
Sentenced to Life
Smith is sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without parole.
In October 2008, Maurilio Ponce was murdered in Lancaster, California, where he was beaten and shot; Anthony Wayne Smith, a former NFL defensive end, was charged with this crime in March 2011 alongside two accomplices. The case remains unresolved as Smith's trial is ongoing, with no final verdict reached at this time. Smith's criminal history also includes a 2003 firebombing charge that was dismissed after two juries failed to reach a verdict.
The content suggests speculation regarding Anthony Smith's violent tendencies, linking his NFL career and subsequent criminal activities, including a charge of firebombing and his eventual conviction for murder. Community theories may revolve around the idea that his physical aggression on the field translated into violent behavior off the field, raising questions about the impact of sports culture on personal conduct. Additionally, the unresolved nature of the firebombing charge implies a narrative of unresolved disputes that could have escalated into more severe criminal acts.
Anthony Smith: From NFL Player to Convicted Killer
Overview
Anthony Wayne Smith (born June 20, 1967) is an American former professional football player who played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) and later became a convicted serial killer. Drafted 11th overall by the Raiders in the 1990 NFL Draft, Smith's trajectory from the football field to the courtroom is a shocking narrative of talent intertwined with tragedy and violence.
Early Life and Football Career
Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Smith showed promise from a young age, leading to a successful college football career at the University of Arizona and then at the University of Alabama. At 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 265 pounds, he was a formidable presence on the field.
In the 1990 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders selected him in the first round as the 11th pick. However, his promising career faced an early setback when, during a practice session on August 29, 1990, Smith tore the medial collateral ligament and cartilage in his right knee, sidelining him for his entire rookie season.
Despite this early injury, Smith rebounded and signed a lucrative four-year contract extension with the Raiders worth $7.6 million after his third season. However, he opted out of his contract in 1997 and had a brief stint with the Denver Broncos, ultimately not playing in any regular-season games for them.
Legal Troubles: Firebombing Charge
In 2003, Smith's life took a darker turn when he was charged with firebombing a furniture store in Santa Monica, California. This act reportedly stemmed from a dispute with the store's owner over money and a consignment item. However, after two juries failed to reach a verdict, the judge dismissed the charge, allowing Smith to escape the legal consequences of this incident.
Murders, Trials, and Convictions
The most harrowing chapter of Smith's life unfolded in March 2011 when he, along with two accomplices, was charged with the brutal murder of Maurilio Ponce. Ponce, a mechanic, was beaten and shot in October 2008, with his body discarded near the Antelope Valley poppy fields, approximately 11 miles away from the crime scene. Prosecutors argued that the murder stemmed from a business deal gone awry.
In April 2011, the jury deliberated but deadlocked with an 8–4 vote in favor of a guilty verdict, resulting in a mistrial. While awaiting retrial, in July 2012, Smith faced additional charges for three other murders: the 1999 killings of brothers Kevin and Ricky Nettles, who were kidnapped from a Los Angeles car wash, and the fatal stabbing of Dennis Henderson in June 2001.
On October 12, 2012, a Los Angeles County judge determined there was enough evidence for Smith to stand trial for all four murders. Testimonies revealed that during the abduction of the Nettles brothers, Smith had impersonated a police detective, subjecting them to horrendous torture before their murders.
Finally, on November 5, 2015, after an arduous trial and eight days of jury deliberations, Smith was convicted of the murders of Ricky and Kevin Nettles and Dennis Henderson. The jury found special circumstances that included kidnapping, torture, and multiple murders. However, they deadlocked on the murder of Ponce, with a 9–3 split favoring guilt.
On January 22, 2016, Smith was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, sealing his fate as a notorious figure in both the sports and criminal worlds.
Personal Life
Smith's personal life has been tumultuous, marked by three marriages. His second wife was the well-known singer and actress Denise Matthews, famously known as Vanity. Their marriage lasted from 1995 to 1996. In 1997, Smith faced legal troubles again when he was arrested for domestic violence involving another woman, leading to a sentence of anger-management classes. He later married his third wife, Teresa Obello White.
Conclusion
The story of Anthony Smith is a haunting reminder of how quickly a life can spiral from athletic success to criminal infamy. From the excitement of the NFL to the chilling details of his violent crimes, his life encapsulates the complexities of human nature and the shadows that can lurk behind a seemingly successful exterior.
Sources
- "1990 NFL Draft Listing." Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- "Raider Top Draft Pick Smith is Sidelined by Knee Injury." Los Angeles Times. August 31, 1990.
- Rocha, Veronica. "Former Raiders player Anthony Wayne Smith convicted in 3 murders." Los Angeles Times (November 5, 2015).
- "Anthony Smith charged with murder." Associated Press. March 5, 2011.
- "Ex-Raider Ordered to Stand Trial for 4 Murders." Associated Press. October 13, 2012.
- Simmons, Ann M. "Details of slayings recalled at football player's hearing." Los Angeles Times. October 14, 2012.
- Rocha, Veronica. "Former Raiders player Anthony Wayne Smith sentenced to 3 life terms for murders." Los Angeles Times. January 22, 2016.
- "Jet." Jet. Johnson Publishing Company: 14. July 6, 1978. ISSN 0021-5996. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
- Dobie, Kathy. "Ex-Raider Anthony Smith's Murder Trial and Violent Past." GQ. January 23, 2013.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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Maurilio Ponce Murdered
Maurilio Ponce is beaten and shot in Lancaster, California.
Smith Charged with Murder
Anthony Smith and two others are charged with the murder of Maurilio Ponce.
Jury Deadlocks
The jury deadlocks in the Ponce murder case with a vote of 8-4 in favor of guilt.
Additional Murder Charges
Smith is charged with three additional murders, including the Nettles brothers and Dennis Henderson.
Trial Ordered
A judge finds sufficient evidence for Smith to stand trial for four murders.
Convicted of Three Murders
Smith is convicted of the murders of Ricky and Kevin Nettles and Dennis Henderson.
Sentenced to Life
Smith is sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without parole.