Bono man guilty of second degree murder of his infant

JONESBORO, AR – A Bono man who caused the death of his four-month-old son will serve 18 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction, Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington said.

Seth Bradley Smith, 27, was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree Monday evening in the death of Anderson Smith.  A Craighead County Circuit Court jury made up of six women and six men took about three hours to render the verdict, Ellington said.

The infant was taken to St. Bernards after first responders were called to the home in reference to a baby with difficulty breathing.  Resuscitation efforts there failed, and the child was pronounced dead.  An autopsy by the Arkansas State Crime Lab showed traumatic brain injuries, contusions, and intramuscular hemorrhage.  

Circuit Judge Randy Philhours sentenced Smith to 18 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction.

Deputy prosecutors Charlene Davidson and Tiarra Tanner prosecuted the case.  Captain Ron Richardson of the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

“I am pleased that we were able to give a voice to the voiceless and provide justice to an innocent child,” Ellington said.  “I appreciate the hard work of Investigator Richardson and the Craighead County Sheriff’s Department for the time spent investigating this matter, as well as Deputy Prosecutors Charlene Davidson and Tiarra Tanner for the many hours they devoted to this case.”

The prosecutor shared with NEA Report insight from the judge on the sentence.

“There are many reasons for punishment in the criminal case. Rehabilitation which is not appropriate here. Revenge – also not appropriate. The sentence should reflect the conscience of the community. It is my intention to speak for Anderson Bradley Smith and all the other potential Anderson Bradley Smiths and-to prevent any future child deaths. If his sentence can prevent the death of one other child, there will be some good come out of this.”

– Judge Randy Philhours of Paragould, as he sentenced Smith. The jury could not agree on a sentence so the judge took it from their hands and sentenced Smith.