William Anthony Smothers, 38
UPDATE 7/30/2022: Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, July 28, 2022, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Donine Carrington Martin sentenced William Anthony Smothers, 39, of Waldorf, to 30 years in prison for the Attempted Second-Degree Murder of James Rudd, Jr. and related charges.
Smothers was also sentenced to 3 years for a separate burglary case. Upon release, Smothers will be on supervised probation for 5 years.
On March 10, 2022, Smothers was found guilty by a Charles County jury to the Attempted Second-Degree Murder charge and the related charges. On May 24, 2022, he entered a guilty plea to the separate burglary case.
On September 10, 2021, officers responded to the 140 block of Jefferson Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. While on the scene, officers observed the victim, James Rudd, Jr., suffering from a gunshot wound to the right side of his head. They also discovered that the rear passenger side window of Rudd’s vehicle was broken, and the car had damage from suspected shot pellets on the exterior of the passenger side door. Rudd was treated by Emergency Medical Services for non-life-threatening injuries, and thankfully, survived.
During the course of the investigation, Smothers was identified as the shooter by a witness to the incident. The witness also reported that the shooting was a result of a verbal argument between Smothers and Rudd. During the argument, Smothers retrieved a shotgun, pointed it at Rudd, chased Rudd to his vehicle, and fired. Both Smothers and Rudd fled the scene after the shooting.
At sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Donna Pettersen asked for the maximum penalty for the case, stating that this was a “senseless act, incredibly dangerous behavior, and disruptive to the community” and followed by stating that Smothers’ actions caused a nearby school to go on lockdown.
Case # C-08-CR-21-000526
- Count 3 – Attempted Second-Degree Murder
30 years with all but 20 years suspended, 10 years will be served without the possibility of parole - Count 4 – Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
10 years, 5 years will be served without the possibility of parole, to run consecutively - Count 5- First-Degree Assault
10 years suspended, to run concurrently - Count 6 – Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
10 years suspended, to run concurrently - Count 7 – Reckless Endangerment
5 years suspended, to run concurrently
Case # C-08-CR-21-000136
- Count 2 – 4th Degree Burglary
3 years
UPDATE 3/13/2022: Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, March 10, 2022, a Charles County jury, after a 4-day trial, convicted William Anthony Smothers, 38, of the Attempted Second-Degree Murder of James Rudd, Jr. and related charges.
On September 10, 2021, officers responded to the 140 block of Jefferson Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. While on the scene, officers observed the victim, James Rudd, Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound to the right side of his head. They also discovered that the rear passenger side window of Rudd’s vehicle was broken out and the car had damage from suspected shot pellets on the exterior of the passenger side door. Rudd was treated by Emergency Medical Services for non-life-threatening injuries, and thankfully, survived.
A sentencing date has been set for June 15, 2022.
Smothers faces 50 years in prison.
Smothers was found guilty of the following charges
• Attempted Second-Degree Murder
• Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence related to the Attempted Second-Degree Murder of James Rudd, Jr.
• First-Degree Assault
• Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence related to the First-Degree Assault of James Rudd, Jr.
• Second Degree Assault
• Reckless Endangerment
9/13/2021: On Friday, September 10, 2021, at 3:09 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Jefferson Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting involving people who were known to each other.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male with an injury from a gunshot, which was not life-threatening. He was transported to a hospital, treated, and released. Members of the Agency’s Emergency Services Team responded to the residence to try to locate the suspect, but after searching the house, it was determined the suspect had fled.
Detectives subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for William Anthony Smothers, 38, of Waldorf. Officers with the Warrant Unit have been searching for Smothers but he has not yet been located.
Anyone with information about Smothers’ whereabouts should call 301-932-2222. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app.
