Man convicted of murder, arson in 2019 Sacramento shooting. Here’s the sentence he faces

A Sacramento man is awaiting sentencing in a 2019 murder and arson case after his conviction last week, the Sacramento County District Attorney said in a news release.

Larry Smith, 27, was convicted by a jury of killing Frederick Gill in December 2019 in south Sacramento and setting fire to his car.

Smith faces a maximum sentence of 55 years. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 24 in Department 14.

On the day of the murder, Gill and Smith had gotten into an argument that led to Smith firing on Gill, striking him eight times, the news release said. Neighbors heard the gunfire and saw Gill on the ground, where he died of his injuries.

Smith left in Gill’s car and set fire to it the next day. A California Highway Patrol officer later pulled over Smith for a traffic stop and noticed injuries as well as a “mostly empty gas can with no lid” in the backseat.

Law enforcement also found items at the murder and arson scenes linked to Smith by DNA, the DA’s office said.

“The gun used in the murder was never recovered,” according to the news release.

This story was originally published April 24, 2022 at 5:51 PM.