DETROIT – New details about the man shot and killed by a Detroit pastor have emerged in the wake of the Wayne County prosecutor’s decision not to issue charges.
Deante Smith was killed Oct. 18 when he entered the City of God Church wielding a brick. He was 25.
Smith’s mother, Francita Ward, spoke to Local 4 about her son’s relationship with the pastor and how he was heavily involved in her son’s life.
Pastor Keon Allison presided over Smith’s wedding and was taking care of Smith and his wife financially.
“That’s why he called that man his dad,” Ward said.
Smith first went to the church on Grand River Avenue seeking fellowship. He went back in October demanding answers.
Ward says her son believed the pastor was romantically involved with his wife.
Pastor Allison shot Smith five times in a case that Kym Worthy’s office calls self-defense.
“My son did not do it,” Ward said. “He fought him with his mouth and the belief of what he knew, God in his heart. All he asked for was the truth. All I’m going to ask for is Ms. Worth and Mr. Casey to review this case again. This is not self-defense.”
Ward believes there is much more to the case and she won’t rest until she uncovers all the answers. She wants a jury to have the last word on her son’s life.