Jury Finds Former Gas Station Employee Guilty of Second-Degree Murder in 2023 Fatal Stabbing

Shelby County, TN – After a five-day trial, a jury found former gas station employee Joseph Smith, guilty of second-degree murder in the 2023 fatal stabbing of a man following an argument that escalated into violence.

Smith was also charged with tampering with or fabricating evidence, according to a Memphis Police report. The case was prosecuted by Chief Prosecutor Carrie Bush and Assistant District Attorney Joe Hamblen, who presented critical surveillance video footage to secure the conviction.

The incident occurred in March 2023 at the Exxon located at 186 N. Danny Thomas Boulevard. At approximately 5:30 p.m., Memphis Police officers responded to the scene and found a man dead outside the store from multiple stab wounds.

Smith, who was employed at the store, initially told police that he instructed the customer to remove a hoodie pulled over his head when entering. Smith claimed the customer then approached, pulled a knife, and cut him.

However, surveillance video reviewed by investigators contradicted Smith’s account. The footage showed the victim entering the store, lowering his hoodie, and beginning to select items from the shelves while exchanging words with Smith. Video further showed Smith moving aggressively toward the victim, leading to a physical struggle.

A witness attempted to intervene, but police say the victim fell to the ground with open hands before Smith unfolded a large knife and stabbed him in the stomach. The two men continued struggling, during which Smith stabbed the victim several more times while holding onto his clothing. The victim eventually collapsed outside the store entrance.

Investigators reported that the video also showed Smith moving the knife out of the camera’s view and attempting to clean blood from the store floor.

During a follow-up interview with investigators, Smith admitted to wrestling with the victim and acknowledged becoming angered before attacking. He told police he handed the weapon to another person before officers arrived on the scene.

The guilty verdict was returned on Friday, Sept. 26.