Friday, December 24, 1999
Boyfriend sentenced for killing
BY DAN HORN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
For five years, a memorial plaque at the Hamilton County Courthouse has identified Judy Lynn Smith as a victim of domestic violence.
A judge finally confirmed that claim Thursday when he sent Ms. Smith's ex-boyfriend to prison for life.
The boyfriend, David Neeley, did not speak during the brief hearing in Common Pleas Court. His lawyer said Mr. Neeley still denies the charge. “He's innocent,” said defense attorney Perry Ancona. “He is not responsible for her death.'"
But Judge Richard Niehaus said he has no doubt the jury did the right thing last month when it convicted Mr. Neeley of stabbing Ms. Smith dozens of times on June 1, 1994.
Her body was found at Norwood's Millcrest Park by some picnicking second-graders.
Judge Niehaus said the memorial for victims of domestic violence — an annual display at the courthouse — was right to describe Ms. Smith's boyfriend as her killer.
“Now it's been verified by a jury.” Judge Niehaus said he is certain the defendant is a violent, jealous man who belongs in prison.
“Your eyes betray you,” the judge told Mr. Neeley. “They tell me that if you were released, you would kill again.”
Assistant Prosecutor Seth Tieger said Mr. Neeley killed his ex-girlfriend to prevent her from testifying against him at a domestic violence trial. He said Mr. Neeley already had been convicted of an unrelated assault in Kentucky and feared he would be sent back to prison. Ms. Smith, 30, broke off the relationship with Mr. Neeley months before her death, but met him at the park to pick up a check that had been mailed to the house they used to share.
“This was a brutal killing,” Mr. Tieger said at the hearing. “Her family would hope that he will be kept in prison for the rest of his life, based on the horrible acts he's committed.”
Ms. Smith's sister, Julie Watkins, said relatives are relieved the case is finally behind them.
Because Mr. Neeley will be eligible for parole in 20 years, Ms. Watkins said her family will continue to follow the case and will oppose any request for early release.
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