Smithson found guilty in Delco murder trial

A Delaware County jury today found William F. Smithson guilty of first-degree murder in the strangling death of a young coworker.

Tears flowed from the family and friends of both the accused and the victim, Jason Shephard, and sobs were audible as the jury foreman read the verdicts.

The body of Shephard, a 23-year-old intern with South Dakota scoreboard manufacturer Daktronics, was found in Smithson's basement in Thornbury Township on Sept. 21, 2006. Prosecutors said Smithson, 43, drugged the young man from Cavalier, N.D., and strangled him after the young man fought off his sexual advances.

The jury of seven women and five men deliberated about seven hours over two days.

In addition to the murder charge, Smithson was found guilty of aggravated assault, attempted rape, kidnapping, unlawful administration of an intoxicant, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of corpse, and drug charges.

On Monday, the trial will move to the penalty phase, in which the jury of seven women and five men must decide whether Smithson will receive the death penalty.

Kyle Shephard, the victim's father, had his arm wrapped around his wife, Carol, as the jury entered the courtroom. When the verdict was announced, the two rested their heads on each other and sobbed. Their daughter leaned her head onto her mother's shoulder and cried.

While most of the courtroom was in tears, a noticeably pale Smithson showed little emotion as the verdicts were read. He blotted sweat from his face with a handkerchief before he was surrounded by sheriff deputies and escorted from the courtroom.