BOSTON — A Suffolk County jury on Monday found Lalance Smith, 35, of Quincy, guilty of first-degree murder for the 2019 fatal shooting of Arnold Woodrum, 59, of Dorchester, during an armed robbery inside a Devon Street apartment.
The verdict also included convictions for armed robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, possession of ammunition, and possession of a loaded firearm, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17 at 10 a.m. in Suffolk Superior Courtroom 906 before Judge Mary Ames.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the shooting occurred around 3 a.m. on June 14, 2019, after co-defendant Kiniya Lee, 40, contacted Woodrum and said she was coming to his apartment at 107 Devon Street. Woodrum asked a witness to let Lee and Smith—who was unknown to him—inside.
Shortly after entering, Lee reportedly walked into Woodrum’s room, apologizing repeatedly. According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Smith then followed, pointed a silver revolver at Woodrum, and said, “what’s up give me the bag, give me the money, give me everything.” After Woodrum handed over a bag, a struggle ensued, and multiple gunshots were heard. Woodrum then handed Smith a bag, saying, “take it, take it.” A struggle then ensued and multiple shots were fired. Woodrum attempted to flee but collapsed in a nearby bathroom, having been shot in the chest and back.
Lee previously pleaded guilty to one count of firearm-armed robbery and was sentenced by Judge Ames to four to six years in state prison on February 11.
“After examining all the evidence and listening to all the testimony the jury came back with a decision that we think is proper and justified,” Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said. “I thank the jurors for their work, and I’m grateful for the efforts by prosecutors, investigators and victim-witness advocates to secure a measure of justice for the family and friends of Arnold Woodrum.”
Smith was represented by Attorney Edward Peter Parker. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Dave McGowan and Brittney Hernandez.
