DNA Evidence Withheld From Anthony Lamar Smith's Family

ST. LOUIS, MO — An independent investigation has revealed state attorneys withheld DNA evidence from Anthony Lamar Smith's family during a civil suit over his death, the Riverfront Times reports. Smith, a black motorist, was fatally shot by former police officer Jason Stockley in 2011. Stockley was acquitted of Smith's murder this past fall, sparking citywide protests, but the city paid Smith's family an almost $1 million civil settlement. The family's attorney says the withholding of key evidence now brings that settlement into question.

Hal Goldsmith, a former federal prosecutor, led the investigation. An abbreviated version of the findings was released today, but the attorney general's office, which commissioned the report, says it needs the permission of the Board of Police Commissioners — and Stockley himself — before the full version can be released, citing attorney-client privilege.

A DNA analysis showing Stockley's DNA on the gun, but not Smith's, was only revealed to the family during the criminal trial. It wasn't enough to convince a judge that Stockley had planted the weapon, but civil cases require only a preponderance of evidence rather than evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, and the family's attorney, Albert Watkins, said the DNA evidence would have strengthened their case had it been made available. He has asked the city to reopen settlement negotiations.

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