For Immediate Release:
February 21, 2024
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
Cameron Mixon (334) 242-7491
(Montgomery) – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement following the court’s acceptance today of the State’s plea agreement with former Montgomery Police Officer Aaron Cody Smith.
“Today, my Office and former Montgomery Police Officer Cody Smith reached a plea agreement that has been approved and entered by the court. Mr. Smith pleaded to manslaughter and will now be released from prison on time served.
This case first came to my Office on appeal in 2020. Despite my personal misgivings about the strength of the case against Mr. Smith, my Office successfully defended the conviction in accordance with our statutory duty. I then watched as the case went on to the Alabama Supreme Court and back again to the trial court late last year.
I firmly believe that Mr. Smith was due a new trial, but after eight years of watching this protracted litigation, I exerted my authority to bring this case to a close. Mr. Smith has pleaded guilty to the offense for which he was convicted, in exchange for returning to his family. I believe that this is a fair and appropriate outcome.
Having spent time with the Gunn family last week, I am acutely aware of the pain and suffering they’ve experienced with the loss of their brother. My heart goes out to them. I hope that they are able to find some closure and healing with this matter finally resolved.
My heart also goes out to the Smith family. Mr. Smith chose an honorable career of protecting the public and his life was shattered in an instant —a reality that all law enforcement officers today live in fear of. He has paid a high price. It is time for him to go home.”
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