Suspects In 'Panhandler' Killing Extradited Back To Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Keith and Valeria Smith returned to Baltimore overnight in the custody of the Baltimore Police Department's Warrant Apprehension Task Force. The father-daughter duo are accused of killing Keith's wife, Jacquelyn Smith.
Baltimore police released video of the Smiths arriving at BWI Marshall. Police said they arrived at 12:25 a.m. Thursday morning and were transported to the Central Booking Intake Facility.
Police said on December 1, 2018, the pair stabbed Jacquelyn to death and claimed a panhandler did it. They were arrested in Texas on March 3, 2019, just 20 miles off the U.S.-Mexico border, attempting to flee the country.
Brandon Mead, who represents Valeria Smith, told WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren his client will fight the charges. "Ms. Smith certainly maintains her innocence. She looks forward to the opportunity to prove that in court."
Charging documents revealed inconsistencies in both Valeria and Keith Smith's stories. Police never found the victim's cell phone or necklace, both items that were reported stolen by the two.
Keith Smith also indicated in a later interview on February 12 that the female panhandler was wearing a blue hoodie/jacket, but in his previous interviews he indicated the panhandler was wearing a brown jacket.
Attorney For Woman Charged In 'Panhandler' Killing Says She's Innocent, Evidence 'Circumstantial'
Keith and Valeria Smith both face life in prison, and Keith has been denied bail.
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