Judge Rules Man Convicted of Infant Death Entitled to New Trial
A Gwinnett County judge has ruled that Danyel Smith, convicted of killing his infant son Chandler over two decades ago, is entitled to a new trial. Smith has always maintained his innocence regarding the shaken-baby death of his two-month-old son. In 2023, prosecutors offered Smith a chance for freedom if he admitted to the crime, but he rejected the deal, insisting he would not confess to something he did not do. Smith's defense team has been advocating for a retrial, aiming to present new evidence they believe will exonerate him. The judge's ruling comes after years of legal battles and claims of new evidence, including alternative explanations for the child's death. Smith's case has drawn attention, with his defense arguing that the original trial was flawed. The new trial will allow for a fresh examination of the evidence and witness testimonies. Smith's supporters hope this will lead to his exoneration and a chance to clear his name. The legal proceedings are set to continue in Gwinnett County, where the case has remained a point of contention for many years.
