Jurors start deliberations in Jamal Smith case

By KSTP

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The case of Jay Boughton’s murder was handed to jury members Tuesday.

Closing arguments were made Tuesday morning after the judge walked through the charges Jamal Smith is facing with jurors.

In their closing statement, prosecutors said Smith “killed a father in front of his son” and also pointed a gun at another driver in Wisconsin. The prosecution also noted his aggressive driving, the picture of him holding a gun in a social media post and the picture showing Smith’s SUV next to Boughton’s with its brake lights on, which prosecutors said was “solely done to line up a better shot for himself or someone else.”

Smith’s lawyer told jurors the case is a tragedy but emotions can’t factor into their decision. He also said Smith showed “courage” by taking the stand, noted passengers in the SUV had pictures on social media holding guns and called it “preposterous” to think Smith could’ve fired a gunshot through the passenger window while driving.

The jury did not reach a verdict on the first day of deliberations, and they are expected to pick up again at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Smith — the man accused of shooting and killing Boughton last year — testified Monday that he wasn’t the person who fired the deadly shot. However, jurors can convict him of first-degree murder even if they believe he only aided in Boughton’s killing.

This sketch shows Jamal Smith sitting in court during closing arguments on July 19, 2022. (Courtroom sketch by Cedric Hohnstadt)

When he took the stand Monday, Smith also blamed one of his passengers for firing the shot that killed Boughton, who was driving himself and his teenage son home from a baseball game on Highway 169 last year in Plymouth at the time of the shooting.

Prosecutors say Smith took aim at Boughton after a road rage incident, but Smith claims he was driving fast with loud music and didn’t hear Boughton honk at him.

Smith recalled his backseat passenger rolled the window down and said he heard a “loud boom.”

The defense asked Smith if he instructed anyone to do anything to the car next to you?

Smith replied with “I did not.”

The prosecution pushed Smith, asking him if he got angry that Boughton’s SUV got in his way. He replied, “That’s 100% false.”

Boughton’s family and friends were there for the testimony.

“We’re staying strong and courageous again, searching for the truth. We think it’ll come out as the jury eventually gets the case and can deliberate,” Boughton’s brother-in-law, Stephen Robinson, said.

CLICK HERE for complete coverage of the Highway 169 shooting.

This is developing news. KSTP is working to get more details and will post updates as more information becomes available.

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