An Anchorage jury has delivered a unanimous verdict of guilty against a 52-year-old South African man, Brian Steven Smith, for the first-degree murder of two Alaska Native women. Smith, who showed no reaction in court upon hearing the verdict, was arrested after a woman stole his cellphone and discovered disturbing footage from 2019, which led to his confession.
Smith was found guilty on all 14 charges, including two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Kathleen Henry and Veronica Abouchuk. The jury heard how Smith narrated a video of Henry's death, urging her to die as she was tortured in an Anchorage hotel room. The evidence presented during the trial revealed the gruesome nature of the crimes committed by Smith.
Sentencing for Smith is scheduled for July, with a mandatory 99-year sentence for the murder involving substantial physical torture. For Abouchuk's murder, he faces a sentence ranging from 30 to 99 years. Alaska's lack of the death penalty means Smith will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The victims, Kathleen Henry and Veronica Abouchuk, both Alaska Natives from small villages, had experienced homelessness. The trial shed light on the tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths and the brutality inflicted upon them by Smith.
The key witness in the trial, who discovered the incriminating footage, played a crucial role in bringing Smith to justice. Smith's wife, Stephanie Bissland, expressed shock at her husband's actions and plans to stand by him despite the heinous crimes he committed.
The community, particularly the families of the victims, expressed gratitude for the thorough work of law enforcement and the judicial system in ensuring justice for Henry and Abouchuk. The trial proceedings provided closure for the families and highlighted the importance of seeking justice for the victims.
Smith's actions have left a lasting impact on the community, underscoring the need for vigilance and accountability in addressing acts of violence and brutality. The verdict serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are held accountable for their actions.
