Press Release
The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on June 28, 2019, Circuit Judge Brantley Clark, Jr., accepted Steven Hudson’s plea to Second Degree Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and sentenced Hudson to Life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Evidence revealed that on August 17, 2018, Steven Hudson, an estranged boyfriend, shot and killed 42-year-old Ashley Adams Brooks Smith at Hudson’s residence in Lynn Haven, Florida. After killing her, Hudson fled the scene and was later caught with the murder weapon in his truck. Hudson entered an “open plea” to the court with no sentence agreement with the State. Hudson could have been sentenced anywhere within the range of 25 years to Life under Florida’s 10-20-Life law. Hudson asked the court for a sentence in the 35-year range, citing a history of mental health issues. Assistant State Attorney Bob Sombathy argued for a life sentence based on the violent nature of the murder, Hudson’s significant criminal record, and the fact that Hudson had only been out of prison about 6 months before murdering Ms. Smith.
The case was investigated by the Lynn Haven Police Department, case agent Corporal Steve Enfinger, and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Bob Sombathy, Chief of Major Crimes.
For additional information, contact Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford.