PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Keshone Smith has been found guilty for the 2020 murder of Pine Bluff Detective Kevin Collins.
A jury found Smith guilty of first-degree murder, but not guilty on the two counts of battery. Smith will serve a total of 35 years in prison, 30 years for the murder charge and five years for firearm enhancement.
Before coming to a verdict, the jury, during deliberation, asked to review the second surveillance video submitted by the prosecutors again in a slowed-down version. Following the video, the jurors had a question about a few legal terms on the questionnaire ballot.
Collins was fatally shot after responding to the Econo Lodge motel on Blake Street around noon on October 5, 2020. Officers were responding to the scene to arrest Smith, who had a warrant for his arrest out of Georgia.
On that day, a shootout would occur between police and Smith, who was with a group of people.
Smith's attorney argued self-defense during the trial and that an officer shot at them and alleged it was police fire that killed Collins. His attorney also argued that the investigation was not fair.
The prosecutors said that Collins was shot five times, and the bullet that ultimately killed him traveled through his arm and then into his chest.
Collins was 35 years old at the time of his death and was a five-year veteran of the force.
Collins' mother, Dornetta Hobbs, said justice was finally served for her son after a long three-year fight.
"This verdict doesn't bring Kevin back, but it shows us that the system works," Hobbs said.
Prosecuting Attorney Kyle Hunter said this was a big case for the town of Pine Bluff, and he was satisfied with the jury's verdict.
"As far as the Hobbs family, I'm so thankful that this part of the loss of Kevin Collins is over and they can move now beyond that," Hunter said. "It's been a long time getting this resolved [and] we're very glad to get that done for the Kevin Collins' family and also for the community."
We contacted Lee Short, the defense attorney representing Smith, but he declined to comment.
The judge said if he chooses, Smith has 30 days to file an appeal.
We will update the article with more information as it becomes available.