Justo Smoker Will Stand Trial For Homicide In Linda Stoltzfoos Case; Arraignment March 26th

Justo Smoker’s preliminary hearing was held Friday, to determine if the homicide case against him would go to trial. After an hour-and-twenty minute hearing, District Judge Denise Commins ruled that prosecutors had met the burden to proceed.

They needed to provide sufficient evidence that a crime was committed in the case of Linda Stoltzfoos’ disappearance last summer, and that the defendant is likely responsible. These were the bars to clear in order for the case to proceed to the county court.

There was only one witness at the hearing. From Lancaster Online:

East Lampeter Township police Detective Christopher Jones testified that DNA samples collected by swabbing Smoker’s cheeks matched DNA samples found on Stoltzfoos’ blue bra and white stockings. Pennsylvania State Police found the items July 10 while searching a wooded area near a Ronks business.

A witness and data from Smoker’s cell phone had placed him in the area of the business.

Jones said there was a one-in-a-septillion chance that the DNA came from someone other than Smoker. That’s 10 followed by 24 zeroes; Earth’s population is about 7.8 billion.

Jones also testified that several Amish females told investigators that a car matching Smoker’s and driven by a person fitting his description drove suspiciously around them near where Stoltzfoos disappeared on June 20 and June 21.

Smoker had also purchased alcohol, packs of gloves and five pairs of shoelaces that day, and more alcohol and more pairs of gloves on June 21.

That showed, First Assistant District Attorney Todd Brown argued, that Smoker had been stalking Amish females. The stalking, paired with the gloves and alcohol, evidence he cleaned his car, DNA evidence and cell phone data, showed Stoltzfoos died “by criminal agency at the hands of Mr. Smoker,” he said.

Smoker’s attorney countered that the prosecution has offered no proof that Linda Stoltzfoos was actually in Smoker’s car. The footage does not show Linda entering the car. Jones also testified under cross-examination that Linda’s DNA was not found on any samples from the car.

Present in the courtroom were three Amishmen and Linda’s uncle Mervin Fisher, as well as Justo Smoker’s brother Victor.

Next in the case will be a formal arraignment. That is when the judge will read the charges, and Smoker will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Smoker already pleaded not guilty to the kidnapping and false imprisonment charges against him in August. The arraignment for the homicide charge is scheduled for March 26th.

Linda’s body has not been found. A victim’s body is not needed to prosecute someone with homicide, though it has happened only once in Lancaster County history.

Investigators continue to search for Linda Stoltzfoos.

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    9 Comments

    1. Joni

      That poor child. As a mother I can’t imagine….
      I hope the trial will be quickly concluded and he will be sentenced according to the wishes of her family.

      1. Debbie

        Response to Joni

        No, we actually don’t want him sentenced according to the wishes of her family. Amish are too much into forgiveness. Life in prison would be suitable, to prevent reoccurrence.

        1. Joni

          I didn’t say “we,” I said “I.” You’re free to express your own hopes in your own post. Please don’t piggyback on mine. Thanks

          1. This reminded me of a question that I don’t know the answer to but maybe someone does – how much do the wishes of the family typically play into sentencing?

            Of course in this case that is getting a bit ahead of things since there has been no trial yet, but still something I am curious about.

            1. Joni

              Eric, I know that after conviction time is granted to victims and/or their family of the crime to address the offender and express their wishes to the judge. I think then the judge and/jury decide?

            2. Bert

              reply

              erik

              the family usually gives an impact statement at sentencing as in his first conviction where they said they wouls try and support him at the end of his sentence he got 12 to 30 on the basis of the parents statement from what i understand

          2. Debbie

            Reply to Joni.

            I know you didn’t say “we”. I am saying “we”. As far as piggybacking, we are allowed to reply to posts here, and I will do so, whether you like it or not.

    2. Sue

      Joni
      I believe you are right. Even if the family stand up and say they forgive him, which is their custom. And they say they don’t want any prison time. The judge can still sentence him to whatever he feels fits the crime. I’m hoping he gets life.

    3. Smokers fate

      Smoker should be executed for what he has done to that girl, I believe in God and the Bible says an eye for an eye , the Bible states if you take a
      Mans life your life should be taken too, The Amish can forgive him but he would prey on another victim if he was to get away with it … I personally hope he rots In prison than justice will be served !!!