Travion Devonte Smith was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of former Bladen County resident Melissa Huggins-Jones. The jury took just one hour to deliberate.
Smith, who was convicted of first-degree murder last week, had faced the possibility of the death penalty. In order to be sentenced to the death penalty, there must be a unanimous vote of all 12 jurors. A Wake County jury has not handed down the death penalty since 2007, according to WTVD.
In closing arguments on Monday, prosecutors argued that Smith was present in Huggins-Jones’ apartment and took part in her murder.
The defense, however, argued that Smith should be spared the death penalty. The defense argued that if he is sentenced to life in prison without parole, he will die in prison.
After his conviction, jurors heard from friends and family members of Smith regarding his difficult childhood, how he violated his parole terms and how he communicated with gang members. They also heard from family and friends of Huggins-Jones as well.
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