A Clark County jury took less than two hours on Thursday to convict a Las Vegas man who chose to represent himself at trial in a deadly shooting case stemming from an alleged drug deal in east Las Vegas.
Jurors found Aaron Ingram guilty of first-degree murder and several related felony charges in the killing of 28-year-old Jemonte Smith.
Verdict
According to court records and reporting by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the jury convicted Ingram of:
- First-degree murder with a deadly weapon
- Battery with a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm
- Discharging a firearm at or into an occupied structure or vehicle
- Robbery with a deadly weapon
- Burglary while in possession of a firearm
Jurors acquitted Ingram on one additional charge of attempted robbery with a deadly weapon. Deliberations lasted less than two hours before the verdict was returned.
Trial
Ingram elected to represent himself during the trial, a decision that placed him in the role of both defendant and legal advocate. Prosecutors presented evidence linking him to the shooting death of Smith, arguing the crime occurred during what they described as a marijuana sale.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Mercer told jurors the state’s burden was to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Scene
Police testified that Smith was found shot inside a business in the 3000 block of Contract Avenue, near Charleston and Eastern boulevards. Authorities described the location as a clothing store and recording studio that was also selling marijuana from the back of the building.
The Clark County coroner later identified the victim as 28-year-old Jemonte Smith.
Defense
Addressing jurors directly, Ingram denied responsibility for the killing. He claimed the allegations against him arose after a traffic stop that he said involved racial profiling and unfair scrutiny, according to the Review-Journal.
The jury ultimately rejected those arguments.
Next Steps
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. The Clark County District Court is expected to set a sentencing date in the coming weeks, along with any post-trial motions that may be filed.
FAQs
Who was convicted in the case?
Aaron Ingram was convicted by a Clark County jury.
Who was the victim?
The victim was 28-year-old Jemonte Smith.
How long did jury deliberations take?
Jurors reached a verdict in under two hours.
Did the defendant have a lawyer?
No, Ingram represented himself at trial.
Has sentencing been scheduled?
No sentencing date has been set yet.
