Family speaks out after last teen sentenced for 2023 murder

By Chris Fortune

The last of three teens charged in the 2023 death of a 15-year-old boy will spend 30 years in jail.

Teontre Kirby was sentenced Thursday morning after previously pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting of Carter P. Smith on June 15, 2023. His body was found near 28th and Commercial streets after several people were seen on video coming to and leaving the area.

Kaden Wilfong and Jackson Lee Griffith were also sentenced to 30 years each in the case.

Josh Smith, Carter’s father, told News-Press NOW his family is grateful to have the case concluded and those responsible held accountable. He added he hopes the tragedy gives other parents a sense of urgency to keep weapons away from their kids.

“The system has done its job, and I think it could go a long way to send the city in the right direction with keeping gun violence away from our kids,” he said.

Carrie Heckman, Carter’s aunt, said the past year has been difficult with family members driving from out of state to attend hearings in the case.

“I’m hoping that everyone can start healing and maybe try to put some of this behind us,” she said.

Heckman said she appreciates all who have worked on the case, including the detective, victim’s advocate, prosecutor’s office and the judge.

“Everyone has been great,” she said. “Lots of support for the family, and we appreciate that.”

Losing her nephew was hard, but she often thinks about his infectious laugh and smile that would light up any room he entered.

“He was ornery, he was all boy, but yet not a mean bone in his body,” she said. “He was a lover, not a fighter, and we all loved Carter very much. He’s gonna be missed.”