Man Accused of Kidnapping 2-Year-Old Wynter Cole Smith Appears in Court
Summary:
- Rashad Trice, 26, accused of kidnapping Winter Cole Smith and sexually assaulting her mother, appeared in court today.
- Trice could potentially face new charges related to the toddler's homicide.
- Winter Cole Smith's body was discovered in a Detroit alley, and she had been strangled with a cell phone cord.
- Attorney General Dana Nessel aims to consolidate the cases into one trial led by her office, excluding Trice's federal charges.
- Trice is due back in court for state charges in September.
The Lansing man accused of kidnapping two-year-old Winter Cole Smith and stabbing and assaulting her mother appeared before a judge today. Rashad Trice is charged with sexual assault in Ingham County and fleeing from police in Macomb County. Trice could potentially face new charges in connection with the toddler's homicide. Her body was found in Detroit as Priya Man explains it was a quick court appearance today in Lansing appearing via video link during his preliminary exam.
Rashad Trice, a 26-year-old man, is currently facing charges of kidnapping Winter and sexually assaulting her mother. According to the police, the child's mother was stabbed and assaulted in Ingham County. Trice is also accused of fleeing from police in Macomb County. Moreover, there are potential state charges pending in connection with Winter Cole Smith's homicide. The tragic discovery of the two-year-old's body was made in a Detroit alley. It was reported that she had been strangled with a cell phone cord, an act seemingly done to avoid involving the victim's family in different court proceedings. Attorney General Dana Nessel plans to consolidate the cases into one trial under her office's leadership. However, Trice's federal charges, which could lead to the death penalty, will continue as separate proceedings in federal court.
Trice is scheduled to return to court to face the state charges in September.