Warning: This article discusses rape and assault.
A US woman has been jailed for killing a man who violently raped her and threatened to kill her family.
Brittany Smith, 32, pleaded guilty on Friday (local time) for the murder of Todd Smith, 38, and received a 20-year sentence. She will spend 18 months in jail, 18 months under house arrest and 18.5 years of probation. She also received credit for time served while awaiting her trial.
The mother-of-four from Alabama was attacked by Todd in January 2018, after she and her brother Chris McCallie gave him a ride.
McCallie dropped them off at Brittany's home where Todd was going to spend the night on the couch.
However, things went south when Brittany and Todd started talking about their journeys with methamphetamine addiction. Brittany, who is now clean, was giving Todd advice when he called her a bitch and headbutted her.
Brittany ran to her bedroom to hide but Todd smashed the door down and choked her until she passed out. He then raped her before threatening to kill her family if she said anything.
Brittany managed to call her mother but couldn't ask for help because Todd was in the room. Her mother sensed something was wrong and sent McCallie to check on her.
McCallie found out about the attacks shortly after he arrived and ordered Todd to leave. A struggle ensued and Todd started strangling McCallie while threatening to kill them.
Brittany then grabbed a gun and yelled at Todd to stop before shooting him.
In March 2018, Brittany was indicted on murder charges by a grand jury. She fought to have the charges dismissed under self-defence laws but ending up pleading guilty before her trial.
Todd has a long history of violence and has been arrested 80 times, according to The New Yorker. Six of his arrests were for domestic violence.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
