After a four-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Marcus Jones was acquitted of murdering Connor Smith in October of last year.
The three defendants, including Marcus Jones, were accused of murdering Connor Smith after he was shot dead following a dispute over a stolen bag of cannabis.
Marcus Jones’ co-defendant was convicted of murder and related robbery/firearm offences and a further co-defendant was convicted of manslaughter. Both men were convicted of killing Connor Smith in what has been called a “trivial” dispute over a £50 bag of cannabis.
Marcus Jones was also acquitted of the related firearms charges. The prosecution had alleged that Mr Jones had been called to the scene of the shooting and had arrived with a firearm in order to support his co-defendants.
Marcus Jones gave evidence during the trial and maintained that he was unaware of any plan to kill or injure Connor Smith and had been a potential peacemaker.
The case was closely followed by the local news media please click the links below to read more –
ITV – Life sentence for the killer of Connor Smith
Birmingham Mail – Connor Smith murder trial: Killers sentenced to combined 50 years over Hawkesley teenager’s death
BBC – Connor Smith shooting: Two jailed after teen killed in cannabis row
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