Smith v. Aldridge

TYMKOVICH, Chief Judge.

Oklahoma charged Raye Dawn Smith with several child abuse charges stemming from the death of her two-year-old daughter, Kelsey, who died from blunt force trauma to the abdomen. Kelsey's death, *878and Smith's subsequent trial, generated substantial public interest and publicity. In the end, a jury convicted Smith of enabling child abuse.

After her conviction, Smith moved for a new trial based on claims of juror misconduct and jurors' exposure to information outside the courtroom. In support, Smith produced two affidavits from individuals who had attended the trial. Both…