Inmate Photo Corey Smith

Man Convicted and Sentenced to 25 Years Florida State Prison

Corey Smith didn’t take kindly to a group of friends who asked him to leave their backyard get together. Several witnesses and the victim were hanging out together when Smith, who lived directly behind one of the witnesses, walked over while heavily intoxicated. When Smith continued to use vulgar language and began breaking glass, he was asked to leave. After leaving for approximately 10 minutes, Smith returned to the witnesses’ home and started an argument. Smith pulled out a handgun and pointed it at one of the witnesses. That’s when the victim jumped in and was shot in the back. Thankfully, the victim survived and has recently become a firefighter. Smith was convicted of Aggravated Battery with a Weapon and charged under the 10-20 Life Law. He was sentenced to 25 years in Florida State Prison. State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Ralph Guerra and the Lakeland Police Department for their work on this case.Photo of gun