JACKSONVILLE — Jury selection is set to begin in the trial of a Florida man accused of abducting, raping and killing an 8-year-old girl in 2013.
Donald James Smith, 61, was scheduled to stand trial Monday on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and sexual battery.
Smith is accused of killing Cherish Perrywinkle after luring her family to Walmart in June 2013 with promises to buy food and clothing. Cherish's mother called 911 after she began to suspect Smith had left with the girl.
In a Florida Times-Union report, Medical Examiner Valerie Rao said in pre-trial testimony that Cherish suffered "extremely shocking" injuries.
Smith faces the death penalty if convicted. Court records show he has a criminal record that dates to the 1970s. He is being represented by public defenders.