A man who nearly killed his boyfriend, cut off any possibility of communications by him and then stole his vehicle pleaded guilty Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Casual Keith Smith, 31, had at least three prior incidents of domestic violence before Nov. 7, 2020, when he attacked the victim in Augusta.
Wednesday in Richmond County Superior Court, Judge Ashley Wright sentenced Smith to 10 years in prison followed by 15 years on probation for kidnapping, aggravated assault, and theft.
Assistant District Attorney William Hammond said Smith attacked the victim with a hammer then switched to fists before dragging him into their home where he tried to bind and gag the victim. When the gagging didn’t work, Hammond said Smith choked the victim until he lost consciousness, cut the power cords to all electronic devices, and then left in the victim’s car.
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Smith confessed to the crimes that left the victim in need of surgeries. He has lost partial sight in one eye and suffered devasting emotional and financial distress, the victim said Wednesday.
In Texas, Smith had prior convictions for family violence in 2012, 2016 and in 2018, Hammond said.
Defense attorney Khary Talley said Wednesday that Smith has admitted to his crimes and won’t try to blame the victim or anyone else. He does feel badly about what happened and did care for the victim, Talley said.
Smith will have to serve at least 10 years in prison before he will be considered for parole. While on probation, the judge ordered Smith to pay restitution for the victim’s medical care and to undergo a family violence program.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
