Newton County Jury Convicts Man in Double Murder and Child Cruelty Case

A Newton County jury has found Marquez Smith guilty on all charges related to the murders of Craig and Desiree Thomas. After four days of trial, the jury returned its verdict in just over 30 minutes, convicting Smith of two counts of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault, two counts of Possession of a Firearm During a Felony, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, two counts of Cruelty to Children in the Third Degree, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

The incident took place on September 11, 2022, when Craig and Desiree arrived at Smith’s home on Pebble Lane to exchange custody of children shared by Desiree and Smith. While they were still in the car, Smith retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, returned to their car, and fatally shot both Craig and Desiree in the presence of his own teenage daughter, who was in the back seat. Smith then fled the scene.

Prosecutors presented additional evidence showing Smith had reached out to a family member prior to the shooting, attempting to obtain a firearm. The jury also heard about prior violence by Smith toward Desiree, including a 2017 conviction for Aggravated Battery in Rockdale County. Further evidence included phone calls made by Smith during the trial, in which he reportedly expressed amusement over parts of the case and referred to himself as the “guest of honor.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Bailey Wilkinson, with support from Deputy Chief Investigator Jill Lumpkin, Victim Services Director Leslie Smith, Trial Assistant Ellen Bales, and Office Assistant Cami Odom. Newton County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Josh Hicks led the investigation, and A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center provided services to the child victims.

Smith remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which will be scheduled at a later date.