In 2022, the victim and his family were visiting the United States for the Christmas and New Year holidays. On January 6th, the victim, who was on his way home, was stopped at a red light along with other vehicles in heavy rush hour traffic on Great Trinity Forest Way. Meanwhile, the defendant, 57-year-old Tony Smith of Dallas, was driving a Toyota Camry approaching the same intersection from behind.
Crash Data Retrieval from the defendant’s vehicle revealed he was accelerating in the moments leading up to the collision. His last recorded speed was 119 miles per hour, with 100% throttle input, and no brakes applied. The defendant hit the victim’s vehicle, shearing off the driver’s side and violently tossing the car into the vehicles in front. The victim’s vehicle came to a rest on its roof. Due to his speed, the defendant careened through nine more vehicles and came to a stop 178 feet away from the initial impact area.
After testimony from family and experts, the judge sentenced the defendant to 15 years in prison with an affirmative finding of a deadly weapon (a motor vehicle). On June 27, 2024, Smith entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 15 years in prison with a deadly weapon finding.
Prosecutor: Kristin Treager
DA Investigators: Bill Martinez & Ron Cathcart
DA Paralegal: Maria Cantrell
Investigating Agency: Detective Scott Sayers — Dallas Police Department
