Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Shati Smith, 31, of Bellport, was found guilty after a jury trial of Murder in the Second Degree, for fatally shooting 28-year-old Lee Houpe in June 2022.
“This defendant meant to kill Lee Houpe when he shot him three times and then stood over him shooting him seven more times after he collapsed on the ground,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We are tired of burying our youth and watching families get torn apart due to senseless gun violence. Justice was served today, but the true tragedy is that it ever had to come to this.”
The evidence at trial established that on June 15, 2022, at approximately 1:45 p.m., the victim was standing in a friend’s driveway when Smith got out of his car and opened fire on the victim, shooting him three times. When the victim collapsed to the ground, the defendant proceeded to stand over him and shoot him an additional seven times, striking him in the face, arm, and chest, ultimately killing him. Smith got into his car and fled the scene.
Smith fled to Virginia where he was found by members of the Suffolk County Police Department and subsequently arrested.
On May 5, 2025, Smith was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C felonies, after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei.
Smith is due back in court for sentencing on June 5, 2025, and faces up to 25 years to life in prison. He is represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Veronica McMahon of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Ronca of the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.