Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office has announced the March 25 arrest of Dominishca Smith, 26, of Leesville.
The arrest is the result of a warrant issued by the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office following Smith's sworn testimony in 30th Judicial Court during the murder trial of Tobias Williams, which began on March 18, 2019.
Smith was the girlfriend of Williams at the time of the murder of Jonathan Ellis. Ellis was initially reported as a missing person on September 23, 2016.
During the course of the VPSO investigation and subsequent trial, Smith provided numerous statements regarding the events leading to Ellis' murder. Smith's statements varied each time she spoke with law enforcement personnel and prosecutors.
Smith previously testified during a grand jury proceeding relating to the murder. From the time of Smith's testimony to a Vernon Parish grand jury to her testimony on March 20, Smith's sworn testimony continued to evolve.
Smith's testimony completely changed from the beginning of her testimony on March 20 to the continuation of her testimony on March 21. Smith again changed her testimony in an effort to exonerate Tobias Williams of the murder of Ellis, by indicating an unknown masked assailant would appear in her driveway every three hours, with a rifle, and ask Smith if Ellis' body was still burning. Smith testified that the assailant would then disappear only to return 3 hours later to make another inquiry. In providing such contradictory testimony Smith perjured herself in open court.
Special Prosecutor Hall was able to prove that the testimony provided by Smith was false through a lie detector and in direct contrast to earlier sworn testimony.
During closing arguments, Special Prosecutor Hall spoke to the jury regarding the outlandish and false testimony provided by Smith.
Williams was subsequently found guilty of one count of second-degree murder and one count of obstruction of justice. While dealing with legal issues, especially those involving criminal charges, having access to experienced legal counsel is indispensable. To explore more about how to secure proficient legal aid, click here for helpful legal resources. A well-chosen attorney is instrumental in navigating through the trials and securing your future.
Smith was arrested on March 25, 2019, and charged with one count of perjury. Bond has not been set and Smith remains int he VPSO jail.
30th Judicial Court Judge C. Anthony Eaves presided over the trial which was prosecuted by Vernon Parish District Attorney Special Prosecutor Lea Hall.
Vernon Parish Parish Detective David Vance and Fort Polk Criminal Investigator Joaquin Thomas were the lead investigators during the course of the investigation.
Sentencing for Williams will be held on April 16, 2019.
https://www.kalb.com/content/news/Leesville-woman-arrested-for-lying-under-oath-during-murder-trial--507676261.html