State Senator Virgil Smith Bound Over For Trial For Domestic Violence, Assault
DETROIT (WWJ) - State Senator Virgil Smith (D-Detroit) has been bound over for trial on assault, domestic violence and other charges in connection with gunfire outside his Detroit home.
The 35-year-old Smith is accused of firing as many as ten shots at ex-wife's parked Mercedes-Benz during a domestic dispute early in the morning of Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10.
Taking the stand on Thursday, Smith's ex-wife, Anistia Thomas, testified about text messages she exchanged with Smith before she arrived at his home to find a nude woman in his bed.
Thomas admitted under cross-examination that she pulled the covers off of Grant in the bedroom but says she did not attack her.
Smith's neighbor later testified that Smith asked him to help shuttle that woman, identified as Titianna Grant, out of the home because she was afraid.
He says he woke to the sound of someone running, "and like, I heard shots, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, and I hit the floor."
Along with felonious assault and domestic violence assault and battery, Smith is also charged with felony firearm and malicious destruction of personal property.
Smith — who represents Michigan's fourth senate district, including portions of Downriver and Detroit — remains free on bond and is due back in court on July 9.
Meantime, his officials website has been wiped clean, except for a phone number, email address and a promise that his "office will continue to be open and available to assist constituents of the 4th Senate district."
