Judge declares mistrial in Kendal Crank murder trial

CHARLOTTE — A judge declared a mistrial early Tuesday afternoon after a jury could not reach a verdict in the trial of Adonis Smith, who is charged with the murder of Kendal Crank. The jury remained at a deadlock so they could not reach a verdict. Nine said not guilty, and three said guilty.

Smith walked out of the courtroom a final time and back to a jail cell after a hung jury could not reach a verdict.

The jury couldn’t reach a unanimous decision on the first-degree murder charge against Smith or any of the lesser charges.

Smith was on trial in the shooting death of the 27-year-old mother of two who was innocently caught in the crossfire of a shootout in March of 2019 on her way to nursing school.

Crank’s cousin, Ari Simpson, said the family was disappointed.

“What is this saying? We got to figure out how innocent lives can be protected, and we feel like Kendal’s wasn’t,” Simpson said.

Throughout the two-week trial, Smith’s attorneys argued self-defense, saying he was shooting back at a group who fired at him first from a parking lot.

MORE TRIAL COVERAGE:

• Prosecutors push for conviction in Kendal Crank murder trial
• Accused killer takes the stand
• Detective takes stand in trial over Kendal Crank’s 2019 death
• Kendal Crank case: Witness describes deadly shootout
• Surveillance video shows moments before and after Kendal Crank’s fatal shooting
• Murder suspect claims self-defense in young mother’s death
• Mother killed in crossfire: Trial starts for first of three suspects

“Frustrated,” said Kimberly Olsinski, Smith’s defense attorney. “I think we really hoped Adonis would go home today.”

Smith’s attorneys noted there were no winners in the case.

“His family is disappointed, and I think we all are,” Olsinski said. “And I told him my hope is to get him out of here today, and it just didn’t happen.”

Meanwhile, Crank’s family said they will lean on each other and their faith for their lost loved one.

“We just trust God; we’re resilient,” Simpson said.

Two other people are charged with killing Crank.

Her family said they are set to go to trial this summer, so they will have to go through the process again.

Meanwhile, Smith will remain in jail for the time being.

There could be a new trial for Smith.

The state Department of Justice could retry Smith or offer a new plea deal.

Smith’s defense team said they feel like they have the advantage in plea deal talks, knowing they already got nine jurors voting not guilty.

VIDEO: Kendal Crank murder trial now in jurors’ hands

Kendal Crank murder trial now in jurors’ hands