Murders took place in 2001
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has has announced that Jahon Terez Smith, aka “Quant,” is charged in multiple shootings in 2001 that killed a man and his three-year-old daughter and wounded two others in Compton.
“I express my deepest sympathies to the Murphy family for the immeasurable pain they have endured through these long years,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The resolution of this 22-year-old cold case underscores the significance of solving crimes that have remained unsolved for far too long.
“Today we send a powerful message that we will not allow the passage of time to diminish our resolve to seek justice for victims and their families. Let this also be a reminder to all who believe they can evade the long arm of the law: no matter how much time passes, we will never stop pursuing justice on behalf of the victims and their families.
“Thank you to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and my office’s investigators and prosecutors for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to seeking justice.”
Jahon Terez Smith, aka “Quant,” 47, is charged with two counts of murder and four counts of attempted willful, deliberate, and premeditated attempted murder.
The special circumstance of multiple murder is alleged. It also is alleged that the attempted murders were committed willfully, deliberately and with premeditation, and that in the commission of the crimes, the defendant personally used a handgun.
Arraignment is currently scheduled for Nov. 29.
On Aug. 8, 2001, the defendant allegedly conspired with a group of people to commit a series of drive-by shootings in Compton. Smith allegedly participated in the shooting and killing of a man and his three-year-old daughter as they were in front of their residence, as well as nearby shootings which wounded two other men at other scenes.
Smith was arrested on Oct. 30, 2023 and is currently being held on no bail.
If convicted as charged, Smith will face a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
