Corey Smith, a 46-year-old head football coach at Miami Senior High School, was tragically found shot to death in his Miami-Dade home on September 21, 2020. The discovery of his body was made by authorities after a 15-year-old boy, who had previously lived with Smith, was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting. The teenager was the only other person present in the house at the time of the incident.
According to the arrest report, the teen claimed to have been in the bathroom when he heard gunshots and subsequently found Smith lying unresponsive on the floor of his den. Instead of calling 911, the teen contacted his mother, who then called the police. Upon arrival, officers found the teen and his mother outside the home. Inside, detectives discovered a 9mm Beretta pistol and six spent shell casings, along with a significant amount of cash totaling about $7,500, bundled in rubber bands among the teen's personal belongings. Smith's wife confirmed that he owned the pistol and often kept large sums of money in rubber bands in their bedroom.
The investigation revealed that the teen had confessed to his mother about killing Smith, leading to his arrest on charges of second-degree murder and grand theft. The teen was placed in juvenile detention and underwent a psychological evaluation due to his history of being declared incompetent multiple times in the past two years. The case took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that the teen was the son of Lamar Alexander, one of the suspects involved in a high-profile jewelry store heist in Coral Gables in December 2019, which ended in a deadly shootout involving a hijacked UPS truck.
The legal proceedings surrounding Corey Smith's death have been complex and ongoing. The teen's attorney argued for a psychological evaluation, highlighting the boy's mental health issues. The case has drawn significant media attention due to the involvement of the teen's father in the notorious heist and the subsequent shootout. Authorities have stated that they are not looking for any other suspects in connection with Smith's death, focusing their investigation solely on the teen.
In addition to the immediate investigation and arrest, the case has also seen various legal maneuvers and court hearings. The teen's defense team has been actively working to address the charges, with the psychological evaluation playing a crucial role in the proceedings. The tragic death of Corey Smith has left a profound impact on the Miami community, particularly at Miami Senior High School, where he was a beloved coach and mentor. The ongoing legal battle continues to unfold as the court system navigates the complexities of the case, seeking justice for the untimely death of Corey Smith.
