The sentencing phase of the murder trial for Travion Devonte Smith has begun with witnesses taking the stand to detail Smith’s upbringing as well as the victim’s daughter describing finding her mother, Melissa Huggins-Jones’ body.
Huggins-Jones is a former resident of Bladen County and had moved to Raleigh after divorcing her husband in Tennessee.
Smith could receive the death penalty in the case. He and two co-defendants, Ronald Anthony Jr. and Sarah Redden, are charged with first-degree murder in the case.
Anthony Jr. pled guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Redden, who testified against Smith, has charges remaining against her, as well.
In Thursday morning’s testimony, Dr. John Blackshear was allowed to testify over the objections of the prosecution. The prosecution expressed concerns about Blackshear’s testimony becoming a “backdoor” expert opinion. The judge allowed the testimony but not as an expert witness and that he could only describe things that anyone could observe.
Blackshear testified how Smith as age 12 was easily influenced and needed psychiatric help but the family could not afford it. He also testified as to how Smith would make poor decisions.
Smith’s half-sister Kristina Love testified about Smith was abused by their father. She also testified how their father was upset when he learned she was testifying.
On Wednesday, the prosecution called Huggins-Jones’ daughter, Hannah to the stand on Wednesday. She testified to hearing a scream, but went back to sleep. Hannah described waking up the next morning and finding her mother covered in blood and trying to find help for her mother. She also told the jury how she missed her mother.
The defense did not offer any witnesses or evidence at trial, but did call witnesses for the sentencing phase. Smith’s mother, Antoinette Smith, testified about how Smith’s father abused her while she was pregnant and how he also abused Smith as a child.
Smith’s brother, Aaron McGruder also testified. He told jurors how he was able to overcome his upbringing and encouraged his brother to do the same. Another brother, Corey Smith testified how Travion Smith always seemed to be neglected.
Claudia White, who used to reside near Travion Smith and his mother, testified how Smith’s mother would often leave the home for days at the time.
Smith did not testify in his own defense.
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