Extra: On Woman Charged with Murder for Hire DOJ Not Seeking Death Penalty Now Co-D No Bail

Note: the judge asked about Smith's "a/k/a" on the indictment and was told it was just his Instagram handle. And on that page, nine photos - more on X for Subscribers here, and below the paywall / s

by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, Oct 15 – A woman was indicted for murder for hire in September 2024 and her case assigned to U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Analisa Torres. She was writted in from Miami to the SDNY Magistrates Court, which Inner City Press closely covers. 

 The murder was committed around Christmas 2023. The victim was Clarisa Burgos.

  On October 4, the SDNY prosecutors wrote to Judge Torres that "DOJ has authorized this Office not to seek the death penalty."

On October 15, co-defendant Smith was in the SDNY Magistrates Court. Inner City Press as only media there live tweeted, thread:

OK - now at bail fight for murder for hire defendant Karl Smith. US cites his Telegram messages; CJA defense lawyer says he could await trial at home.

AUSA: He invoked his Fifth Amendment rights to not testify before the grand jury. Judge: Why is home confinement not sufficient? AUSA: He has nothing to lose.

Defense: This is just speculation. He has ties to his family. At some point he was talking with the government. They subpoenaed him as a witness, not as a defendant.

 AUSA: He orchestrated multiple shooting, with a person already detained.

Judge: The US has met its burden. A woman is dead, due to the alleged use of a cell phone. There are messages. I note your extensive international travel, and lack of visible means to support it. You will be detained.

  Note: the judge asked about Smith's "a/k/a" on the indictment and was told it was just his Instagram handle.

And on that page, nine photos - more on X for Subscribers here, and below the paywall / subscriber (support) line here