LaRoyce Smith was convicted of the January 1991 murder of Jennifer Soto, 19, during the attempted robbery of a Taco Bell in DeSoto, Texas. Soto was closing the restaurant when Smith and several companions knocked on the door. Soto let the group in since she knew Smith because he had briefly worked at the restaurant.
Once inside, Smith demanded that Soto open the safe. When she refused, Smith shot her once in the back. He then retrieved a butcher knife from the kitchen area and stabbed Soto five times while demanding the combination to the safe.
