Elmore Autauga News
Top Photo: A.C. Smith. Photo credit to Justice for A.C. Smith Facebook page.
It has been eight years since former Montgomery Police Officer A.C. Smith fired his weapon which ended the life of Gregory Gunn. He would eventually be found guilty for murder and sentenced to 14 years. Arguments presented at the time by the defense included that A.C. was alone when he encountered the man he shot, a scuffle ensued, and A.C. acted in self-defense. A jury disagreed. The case went all the way to the Alabama Supreme Court.
Since that time, there has been a huge outcry from law enforcement, and many citizens, who feel A.C. got a “raw” deal, and deserved a new trial. A popular Facebook page called Justice for A.C. Smith has followed the story continually, with regular updates and court filings.
Recently, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall took the case over from Montgomery DA Daryl Bailey. Now, with a plea agreement this morning, A.C. will be released after pleading guilty to manslaughter, with time served.
Below is the official statement from AG Marshall.
(Montgomery) – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement following the court’s acceptance today of the State’s plea agreement with former Montgomery Police Officer Aaron Cody Smith.
“Today, my Office and former Montgomery Police Officer Cody Smith reached a plea agreement that has been approved and entered by the court. Mr. Smith pleaded to manslaughter and will now be released from prison on time served.
This case first came to my Office on appeal in 2020. Despite my personal misgivings about the strength of the case against Mr. Smith, my Office successfully defended the conviction in accordance with our statutory duty. I then watched as the case went on to the Alabama Supreme Court and back again to the trial court late last year.
I firmly believe that Mr. Smith was due a new trial, but after eight years of watching this protracted litigation, I exerted my authority to bring this case to a close. Mr. Smith has pleaded guilty to the offense for which he was convicted, in exchange for returning to his family. I believe that this is a fair and appropriate outcome.
Having spent time with the Gunn family last week, I am acutely aware of the pain and suffering they’ve experienced with the loss of their brother. My heart goes out to them. I hope that they are able to find some closure and healing with this matter finally resolved.
My heart also goes out to the Smith family. Mr. Smith chose an honorable career of protecting the public and his life was shattered in an instant —a reality that all law enforcement officers today live in fear of. He has paid a high price. It is time for him to go home.”
