Chaos breaks out in courtroom as father attacks killer of three-year-old daughter
The scenes in the Detroit courtroom were caught on video
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Court cameras have captured the moment the bereaved father of a three-year-old girl attacks the man responsible for killing her - punching him in the head.
The incident happened during the sentencing of Jasmine Gordon and her boyfriend Clifford Thomas, who were both convicted in the death of Gordon’s three-year-old daughter Jamila Smith, the Detroit Free Press reported.
The girl’s father, Dwayne Smith, was set to deliver a speech to the court about the impact his daughter’s death had on him.
Instead, he came face to face with Thomas and attacked him, punching him in the head. The wild scenes were caught on video
Officers from Wayne County Sheriff’s Office quickly separated the pair as loud yelling erupted in the courtroom.
In the video, Gordon can be seen crying and yelling “Jesus” as her lawyer, John McWilliams, tries to console her.
“It was pretty scary,” Mr McWilliams said.
“I’m glad nobody was seriously hurt”.
Jamila Smith died of multiple blunt force trauma injuries in September last year. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Both Gordon and Thomas were convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this month.
Smith was not allowed to return to the courtroom but managed to avoid being charged over the incident.
“No charges were pursued against those involved as the judge declined to hold Dwayne Smith in contempt of court,” a spokesman for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office told the newspaper.
“Clifford Thomas refused prosecution of Smith.”
Gordon was sentenced to between seven to fifteen years for involuntary manslaughter and fourteen to twenty-five for child abuse.
Thomas was sentenced to about six years to fifteen years for involuntary manslaughter and one to two years for resisting and obstructing a police officer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments