Desmond Thomas' family speaks out after jury finds Prince George's County man guilty of fatal stabbing

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (DC News Now) — A man has been convicted of first-degree murder after fatally stabbing the son of a Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD) detective last year.

On October 27, 2023, Kenneth Smith, 54, was looking for his daughter in Old Fort Hills Park when he saw Desmond Thomas in the park. An argument between the two men led Smith to fatally stab Desmond Thomas.

Lamont Scott, who was with Smith, allegedly shot Desmond Thomas.

“Desmond was taken from me in a completely senseless tragedy,” said Donnell Thomas, Desmond Thomas’ father. “But Desmond will live thanks to his son, my grandson.”

State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy said Smith had no “credible reason” for the fatal stabbing.

“Although he testified in his own defense, he was not credible,” she said.

According to Braveboy, Smith made a phone call from prison, where he bragged about getting rid of the evidence.

Assistant State's Attorney Bill Porter said Smith's attempts to lie did not mislead the jury and that he was pleased with the conviction.

Smith will be sentenced in September and Scott's trial is scheduled to begin June 18.