Gangster convicted of murdering San Pablo teen who was unintended victim of gunfire

Contra Costa jury convicted an El Sobrante gang member in the death of a San Pablo teen hit by gunfire that was intended for an acquaintance. After a week of deliberations, the jury convicted Jordan Smith, 23, on Monday of second-degree murder, street terrorism and charge enhancements in the April 13, 2007, shooting of 17-year-old Raymond Adams, deputy district attorney Danielle Douglas said. The defense had argued that Smith was driving his girlfriend's car when his passenger shot the victim without warning. Adams' family had moved to San Pablo more than a year before the shooting to get their son away from gangs in North Richmond, Douglas said. On the day of the shooting, a gang member from the former neighborhood ran out of gas near Adams' new house, and summoned the teen to help. Afterward, Adams asked if he could get a ride to North Richmond to see his girlfriend. Adams was getting into the car's back seat at 11th Street and Broadway when Smith fired on the car, Douglas said. Two bullets meant for the driver struck Adams, whose last words were that he didn't want to die. "He was a just a kid trying to hook up with his girlfriend," Douglas said. "His death was especially devastating for his family because they had worked so hard to avoid something like this happening." Police never found the person in the car with Smith that day. Smith's attorney argued that man was the killer, and died in 2009, Advertisement according to Douglas. Smith is facing at least 40 years to life in prison. He returns to Judge Brian Haynes' courtroom April 3 to determine a sentencing date. Reprint Print   Email Font Resize Return to Top   • FAQ: Article commenting how-tos and tips Breaking News State pension board acknowledges lower returns, higher costs Jerry West raves about Monta Ellis-Andrew Bogut trade Oakland selects dispensary teams Contra Costa must fill 44 seats on redevelopment shutdown boards Warriors' Curry out, won't return till '100 percent' Rain-swollen San Lorenzo River threatening Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Parole denied for former Hollister cop convicted in fatal 1987 shooting outside Watsonville bar Oakland A's notebook: Ryan Cook making strong impression with new team Most Viewed (From the last 12 hours) Hicks: 'American Idol' tosses Jermaine Jones Warriors' Joe Lacob on trade: `Fact is, we just hit a home run' Stolen iPad led to huge meth bust in San Jose Hicks: Bear Grylls fired from 'Man Vs. Wild' High speed rail chief: Bullet train won't cost $100 billion 49ers lose free-agent lineman Adam Snyder to Arizona Cardinals Top Classifieds  Rentals   Jobs   Real Estate   Autos    OAKLAND 1 & 2BD'S APTS $1050-$1375  Hayward Villa  LOS GATOS 1BR TRAILER $795  ANTIOCH  1&2 BD Units  1-2BD Unit from Oakland to San Leandro  SNELL/B.H. 3/2  PACIFICA 2+/2 OCEAN FRONT CONDO $2350  All Listings Copyright © 2012 - San Jose Mercury News Place an Ad | About Our Ads | Help/Contact | Site Map | Advertise | Home Delivery | Copyright | Privacy Policy and Terms of Use | About MediaNews Group | RSS | Find San Jose jobs | Ethics Policy | About Bay Area News Group | MediaNews Group - Bay Area News Group       Advertisement Back to Top 11K

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