When Smith was 15, he and his friends, A'Donte Washington, Jadarien Hardy, Jhavarske Jackson, and La'Anthony Washington, were involved in a burglary in Millbrook, Alabama. A'Donte Washington was shot and killed by a police officer, but due to Alabama's accomplice liability law, Smith, Hardy, Jackson, and La'Anthony Washington were found liable for his death. Smith's case went to trial and he received a 30-year sentence for felony murder, 15 years for burglary, and two 10-year sentences for two theft charges. In November 2019, a judge ruled that one 10-year sentence could run concurrently with the 15-year sentence, meaning that Smith now faces a 55-year sentence in total. Lakeith Smith. was a 15-year-old child, scared to death. He did not participate in the act that caused the death of A'donte. He never shot anybody." Amania Galloway, who started the petition, said on Twitter: "I started this petition because it's time right the wrongs! I'm so grateful to have found people who will stand with me to make this change. Please join us, and continue to share to help spread the word. Thank you!