Albany, NY – 21-year-old Paul Smith of Albany pleaded Not Guilty to a 4-count indictment before the Hon. Thomas Marcelle in Albany County Supreme Court this morning. The indictment includes One Count of Murder in the Second Degree, One Count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, One Count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, and one Count of Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree.

The indictment alleges that on or about June 5, 2024, Smith, while acting in concert, caused the death of another person, and attempted to cause the death of a different victim. Specifically, he’s accused of causing the death of Javon Ward.

Additionally, the defendant is accused of possessing an illegal, loaded, and operable firearm, and recklessly engaging in conduct that showed a depraved indifference to human life.

The defendant was remanded to the Albany County Jail following today’s proceeding. A hearing is set for October 1, 2024. The Albany Police Department’s Investigation is ongoing.

DA Soares said:

“We at the District Attorney's Office share in the grief of Javon Ward's family. Mr. Ward was mentored by members of this office, and was well on his way to doing great things. The investigation remains open, which limits what we can say, but we are glad we're one step closer to achieving justice in this case.”

Assistant District Attorney Ryan Carty is handling the prosecution of this case.

All parties are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty