Day two got underway in Pine Bluff yesterday in the trial of KeShone Smith, accused of shooting and killing former PB Detective Kevin Collins in October of 2020. After Judge Alias Dennis gaveled in the proceedings, opening statement began. Prosecutors began by telling the jury about Smith criminal history. Smith had a warrant out for his arrest, which led to multiple agencies looking to arrest him. After a traffic stop of Kirel Young, he became a confidential informant. The following day, information was received that Smith was staying at the Econo Lodge in Pine Bluff. When Kevin Collins, Kelce Collins and Ralph Isaacs approached the hotel, shots were exchanged, with Kelce Collins discharging his weapon 11 times. Prosecutors said Kevin Collins was struck five times, including once where the bullet traveled through his arm into his chest, which was fatal. Defense Attorney Lee Short said it was police who fired first and hinted at one of the shots from Kelce Collins could have been the one that struck Kevin Collins. Smith is facing three counts of first degree battery and capital murder. The trial resumed on Wednesday morning at 8:30.
