Defendant pleads guilty in 2023 Savannah murder trial, judge sentences him to life

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Thursday in Superior Court and also during his trial, one of the defendants in a 2023 Savannah homicide pleaded guilty and learned his fate.

25-year-old Roberiquis Maxwell pled guilty in front of Judge Colbert. Prosecutors say Devin Smith was shot unprovoked, and that his death is already a life sentence for his family.

Maxwell is also a verified member of the Crips, according to his jail records.

Prosecutors also laid out what they say Maxwell has been doing since he’s been locked up.

The State said in open court that Maxwell was released from prison 17 days before he shot and killed Devin Smith.

They also detailed that once Maxwell was released from prison, he had no support system to return to.

Prosecutors also say he threatened people while he was incarcerated for Smith’s death — even his sister. The State said Maxwell put a hit out on 2 people, trying to cover up evidence. Investigators also went through his jail calls and even texts, referring to “hitting a lick.”

He was sentenced Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 15 years.

The Judge addressed Maxwell directly saying, after all the testimony at trial so far, the victim, Smith, seemed like the kind of person who would’ve helped Maxwell when he had no one and no family.

To the Smith family, Judge Colbert said, “There are no words of comfort; nothing I can do here in this court will bring back your loved one, unfortunately. But you have my heartfelt condolences.”

She finished by saying to Maxwell, “I do fear you are a danger to society. No matter where you are, you can either find a way to do good, or you can find a way to do bad — I truly hope you can find a way to contribute meaningfully to this world.”

The trial for his co-defendant, Ashton Johnson, who was just 16 at the time — will continue Friday in Superior Court.

We will bring you an update as the trial comes to a conclusion.