Smith-Bracy was under heavy guard as he was escorted to Circuit Judge Scott Taylor’s courtroom Friday morning. As he was being brought in the back, family members of the victims were entering the courtroom from the front. Smith was appointed the attorney team of Angela Walker and Thomas Pilcher. They told Judge Taylor they’d had very little time to speak with Smith and deferred to his judgement for bond.
The defense entered a plea of not guilty for reason of mental disease or defect. Pilcher said he’s not aware of a history of mental illness but that doesn’t mean it’s not present. It’s been a very emotional time for the families who’ve lost so much. The defendant’s mother and aunt were in the courtroom along with family members of Sheila Glover who was also killed. None wanted to talk about the tragedy.