‘His Life Didn’t Deserve to be Taken,’ Victim’s Mother Says During Defendants’ Sentencing Hearing

By Alyssia Davis [former] - May 20, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A victim’s mother gave an impact statement during the sentencing of two convicted homicide co-defendants who were sentenced to life in prison on May 19 before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Phillip S. Jackson.

Corey Shawn Smith, 29, was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, use of the firearm during a felony violent crime, and having a handgun on his person in connection to the murder of 17-year-old Beontray Ellis on Sept. 28, 2018. 

Brian Campbell, 25, was found guilty of first-degree murder, use of a firearm during a felony violent crime, possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in connection to the incident on Sept. 28, 2018. 

“His life didn’t deserve to be taken. He deserved to grow old, have kids, and live the life everyone is supposed to,” said the victim, Ellis’ mother said, in a letter read by the prosecutor.  

Prior to the sentencing, Judge Jackson allowed Campbell and Smith’s families to give a statement stating how this incident had impacted their lives. 

“He is everything to me. We grew up together. Corey is not a bad person. He would not hurt anyone,” said the defendant’s mother in her impact statement. 

“Corey, I love you. I will continue to fight for you,” his mother said from the witness stand as he sat only a few feet away from her.

Smith’s defense counsel Robert Cole said his client had no history of violence and maintained employment prior to being arrested for the crime. Cole said Smith still claims his innocence in the case. 

Cambell’s fiancée delivered an impact statement on his behalf. 

“Campbell’s always been a loving, caring person. He does everything to make sure me and my daughter are fine,” she said, disagreeing with the conviction.