Russ Convicted of Manslaughter with a Firearm in the Death of Gerald Smith

Press Release

The Office of the State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on Thursday, May 23, 2019, a Circuit Court jury deliberated approximately one hour and 14 minutes before finding Adeviante Demari Russ guilty of Manslaughter with a Firearm, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Assistant State Attorney Mark E. Graham presented 16 witnesses during the trial to establish that the defendant personally discharged a firearm causing the death of Gerald Smith at Macedonia Gardens Apartments on April 21, 2017.  The case was investigated by the Panama City Police Department; Inv. Jordan Hoffman was the case agent.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 19, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. CST before Circuit Judge Christopher Patterson.

For additional information, contact Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford.