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Wynter Smith

Wynter Cole-Smith: Michigan AG Consolidates Charges in Toddler’s Death
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Rashad Maleek Trice now faces 20 state charges. Two federal charges also remain in effect.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the consolidation of state charges against the man suspected of kidnapping and killing 2-year-old Wynter Cole-Smith earlier this month, bringing charges filed in multiple counties in Michigan together under the umbrella of the state.

Nessel said the move will minimize trauma for surviving victims, witnesses, and family by reducing the number of trials 26-year-old Rashad Maleek Trice will face.

Federal charges of kidnapping a minor and kidnapping resulting in death will remain separate. Trice could face the death penalty if convicted on the federal counts.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Trice is charged with stabbing Cole-Smith’s mother — his 22-year-old ex-girlfriend — and fleeing with the child in his former girlfriend’s car, sparking an extensive search and an Amber Alert on July 2.

Trice was arrested the next day after driving from Lansing to Detroit and then on to St. Clair Shores. The girl was not with him when he was arrested, and he reportedly refused to cooperate with investigators.

Cole-Smith’s body was found two days later near Detroit’s Coleman A. Young International Airport after investigators used Trice’s cell phone to track his movements. The little girl was strangled.

The state has charged Trice with:

  • One count of first-degree premeditated murder
  • One count of felony murder
  • One count of assault with intent to murder
  • Two counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct
  • Two counts of kidnapping
  • One count of first degree home invasion
  • One count of disarming a peace officer
  • One count of second degree fleeing and eluding
  • One count of receiving stolen property between $1,000 and $2,000
  • One count of receiving and concealing stolen property/motor vehicle
  • One count of unlawfully driving away an autobile
  • One count of assault with a dangerous weapon
  • One count of resisting and obstructing causing injury.
  • One count of second degree domestic violence, 2nd offense.
  • Three counts of resisting and obstructing.
  • One count of stalking.

Nessel also said her office is charging Trice as a fourth offense habitual offender. The most serious charges bring with them a mandatory life sentence without parole if convicted.

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[Featured image: Wynter Cole-Smith]