Joseph Smith Guilty of Carlie Brucia's Murder

It took a Sarasota, Florida jury less than six hours to find Joseph P. Smith guilty of first-degree murder, sexual battery and kidnapping of 11-year-old Carlie Brucia on Super Bowl Sunday, 2004.

The abduction of Carlie Brucia behind a car wash was caught on a security videotape, which brought national attention to the case when it was aired for four days while authorities searched for the missing girl.

During the trial the jury saw that videotape and heard testimony from several witnesses who said they recognized Smith when they saw the video on television. The video also picked up tattoos on Smith's arm, which were identified during the trial.

The videotape was not the only evidence linking Smith to the crime. DNA evidence was presented that identified semen found on the girl's clothes matching that of Smith.

The jury also heard testimony from Smith's brother, John Smith, who led police to Carlie's body near a church after his brother confessed to the crime to him during a jail visit.

Overwhelming Evidence

"In this case, there truly is overwhelming evidence," prosecutor Craig Schaeffer told the jury Wednesday. "There's mountains of evidence in this case. Why is that video so important? Because, again, it's inescapable, what's contained on that video. A man, a grown man, grabs the wrist of a child and takes her. He raped Carlie Brucia. He should be found guilty of sexual battery."

Smith defense attorney shocked the courtroom Wednesday when he declined to give a closing statement. "Your honor, opposing council, members of the jury, we wave closing argument," Adam Tebrugge said.

The jury will return to the courtroom Nov. 28 to decide if Smith will receive the death penalty for the first-degree murder conviction.

See Also:
Carlie's Mom Wants Smith to Die
Jury Gets Carlie Brucia Case

Earlier Articles:
Brother: Smith Confessed to Killing Carlie
Witnesses Say They Recognized Carlie's Abductor
Trial Begins This Week in Carlie Brucia Murder

Background:
Carlie Brucia: A Child Is Abducted on Videotape
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