By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
DARION Smith, who pleaded guilty in 2023 to the 2021 murder of Bella Walker, has failed in his latest attempt to overturn his 25-year prison sentence.
The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, stating there was no basis to revisit the matter. Smith was sentenced to 25 years in January 2023 after accepting a plea deal for the murder of four-year-old Bella Walker.
In October 2024, Smith sought to challenge his conviction, claiming his former lawyer had not properly advised him.
“There is a plea agreement which the intended appellant signed,” the judgement said.
“That is the basis of the sentence imposed by the learned magistrate. In the circumstances, we find no fault with the sentence, so there is no basis for us to re-open this matter. The appellant will serve the sentence which he agreed to. The extension of time is, therefore, dismissed.”
On November 5, 2021, Smith, 34, beat Bella Walker to death while she was in his custody. Bella, the daughter of Ostonya Walker, was unresponsive when taken to Princess Margaret Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Police said Bella, a resident of Major Subdivision, suffered multiple injuries, with the official cause of death determined to be blunt force trauma. The case sparked national outrage.
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