“That’s What He Gets:" Pennsylvania Man Gets 65 Years for Shooting Stepfather Over Argument

GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ - A 28-year-old man from Pennsylvania learned his fate in court this past May after being sentenced for the murder of his stepfather whom he fatally shot back in 2021 while he was temporarily staying with family in New Jersey.

This past January, 28-year-old Christian Smith was found guilty of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of his stepfather, 43-year-old Dennis McKenzie Jr. Authorities say the incident occurred on October 9th, 2021, during a heated argument while Smith was temporarily staying at his mother and stepfather’s home in Woolwich, New Jersey.

Smith had reportedly made some “offensive comments” toward McKenzie’s daughter and her friend regarding their “sexuality” on the date of the incident, reportedly telling his stepfather that the family home was "a house of God” while using a derogatory slur used to describe same-sex couples.

Smith’s mother reportedly tried to diffuse the argument to no avail, with McKenzie reportedly throwing a punch at Smith following the use of the slur. In response, Smith produced a Glock 19 9mm handgun and shot the victim five times, once in the face and four times in the back. Following the fatal shooting, Smith had reportedly recorded himself saying, “That’s what he gets,” after disassembling the handgun.

The defense attorney argued at trial that Smith’s weapon went off during a struggle with the firearm, a notion that apparently did not resonate with the jury after all the evidence was presented.

On May 29th, Smith was handed down a 65-year sentence by Gloucester County Superior Court Judge William Ziegler, to which he would have to serve 85%, or slightly over 55 years, to be eligible for parole.

Prosecutor Andrew Johns issued a statement following Smith’s sentencing, saying, “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s violent actions and ensures he will be held accountable for taking a life. I commend the work of the trial team in presenting the evidence in this case and securing a verdict that delivered justice for the victim.”