State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Eddie Lee Smith III was convicted after jury trial of Murder In The Second Degree With A Weapon. The crime was committed on 12/21/2022 and investigated by Arcadia Police Department. The trial was held at the Desoto County Courthouse on August 11 & 12, 2025.

The defendant received a life sentence minutes after the verdict was read in Circuit court.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney William Moran commented,

“After the relentless pursuit of the truth, killer Eddie Smith was brought to justice Tuesday.” Prosecutor Moran said that *solving this grisly senseless murder was due to old fashioned police work and modern science. We hope that family can finally find closure after the jury’s verdict.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney William Moran in the DeSoto County office at 863-993-4881.