WOODBURY — Christian Smith, 28, of Woolwich Township, was sentenced by the Honorable William Ziegler, J.S.C. to 65 years in state prison for first-degree murder of his stepfather, Dennis McKenzie, Jr.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence presented at trial, on Oct. 9, 2021, Smith and McKenzie were arguing in their home over offensive comments Smith made about the sexuality of McKenzie’s daughter and her friend. Smith’s mother and sister attempted to diffuse the situation, with his mother putting herself between the two men.
As the argument escalated, McKenzie attempted to hit Smith, who then pulled a 9mm handgun from his waistband, held it over his mother and shot McKenzie once in the face and three
times in the back. Smith then disassembled the gun and recorded himself saying “that’s what he gets.”
During a two-week trial, the defense argued that Smith acted in the heat of the moment after the victim referenced abuse the defendant had experienced in past relationships. They also claimed the shooting occurred during a struggle over a gun, alleging several shots were fired accidentally before the defendant gained control of the weapon and continued shooting.
Prosecutors argued that the defendant’s account was inconsistent with the forensic evidence presented at trial.
On Jan. 20, 2026, Smith was found guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree possession of a handgun for unlawful purposes. He must serve 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s violent actions and ensures he will be held accountable for taking a life,” Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns said. “I commend the work of the trial team in presenting the evidence in this case and securing a verdict that delivered justice for the victim.”
