Rashad Trice pleads guilty in kidnapping, death of 2-year-old Wynter Cole Smith
(CBS DETROIT) — The man charged with kidnapping and killing 2-year-old Wynter Cole Smith in July 2023 faces a mandatory life sentence after he pleaded guilty Friday, officials said.
Rashad Trice, 27, pleaded guilty to kidnapping resulting in death. He was charged federally with one count of kidnapping resulting in death and one count of kidnapping resulting in death.
"What happened is heart-wrenching, but today marks an important step forward as we seek justice for Wynter Cole-Smith's family and the people of Michigan," said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. "I'm incredibly grateful to FBI Michigan, the Lansing Police Department, and the more than two dozen other local, state, and federal partners who came running to help."
His sentencing is scheduled for July 19.
Rashad Trice Guilty Plea by CBS Detroit on Scribd
Trice is accused of kidnapping Wynter on July 2, 2023, after stabbing and sexually assaulting Cole Smith's 22-year-old mother at a Lansing residence and leading police on a pursuit that started in Lansing and ended in St. Clair Shores. Wynter's body was found on July 5 near Coleman A. Young Airport in Detroit.
Trice had previously dated Cole Smith's mother but was not Wynter's father.
Trice still faces numerous state charges, including first-degree premeditated murder and felony murder. Officials say the state is charging Trice as a fourth-offense habitual offender.