A man from North Carolina, Wilson Justice Xavier Smith, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after a South Carolina jury found him guilty of murder and weapon possession. The incident, which occurred in December 2022, involved the tragic death of 22-year-old Ahkeyra Raysor, whom Smith killed in what he attempted to portray as an act of self-defense.

According to the Eighth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Smith, 27, called 911 from the Burfield Apartments on Cambridge Avenue East in Greenwood, claiming he had shot Raysor in self-defense. However, the evidence told a different story. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Raysor lying on a bed with a fatal gunshot wound to the head and a shotgun placed conspicuously across her body.

Despite Smith’s insistence that Raysor had fired at him first, prompting his alleged defensive actions, investigators remained skeptical. Their suspicions were soon confirmed as forensic analysis revealed Smith’s DNA on the shotgun, but not Raysor’s. Furthermore, witness testimonies further contradicted Smith’s version of events, leading to the conclusion that his self-defense claim was a fabrication.

Raysor was transported to a nearby hospital by paramedics, but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead. The case’s swift resolution underscores the importance of thorough investigative work and the pursuit of justice for the victims of violent crimes. With his conviction, Smith now faces the consequences of his actions, serving a lengthy prison sentence for his cold-blooded crime.

Paramedics rushed her to the hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead.

Smith told detectives Raysor fired the shotgun at him first and he shot in self-defense. But officers “immediately suspected” something was fishy about his claims. Cops found the DNA of Smith and others on the shotgun — but not Raysor’s. Other witnesses refuted Smith’s claims, prosecutors stated.

The press release did not detail the relationship between Smith and Raysor, nor did it divulge a potential motive for the murder. Jurors deliberated for about 10 hours before convicting Smith after a two-week trial.

“This was a calculated and violent act, followed by a deliberate attempt to deceive law enforcement and escape responsibility,” Solicitor David M. Stumbo said in a statement. “Because of a total team effort — from investigators and prosecutors to victim advocates and administrative staff — the truth prevailed, and a violent killer has been held accountable.”

Raysor left behind two children and had enrolled in hairdressing school before her death, according to her obituary.

“She had a profound love for cooking for others. She was a free-spirited individual and loved family time,” the obituary said.