Adult Time for Adult Crime: Martize Smolley

Cully Stimson / November 04, 2009

On November 9th, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments challenging the constitutionality of juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) sentences. In preparation for oral arguments, JLWOP: Faces & Cases will be an on-going series on The Foundry that will tell real stories about juvenile offenders who are currently serving LWOP sentences.

Defendant: Martize M. Smolley (16)
Victims: Kelly Houser, Amy Allen
Crimes: Two counts, felony first degree murder & other charges
Crime date: June 14, 2004 in Peoria, Illinois

Summary
Martize Smolley shot and killed a mother and daughter who had stopped at an ATM on their way to an ice cream parlor.

Facts
On the evening of June 14, 2004, Martize Smolley announced to his friend Monterius Hinkle that he was going to “get some money.” He armed himself with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and headed out toward Jefferson Street. (more…)