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Arizona man imprisoned for Golden Valley slaying in 2001

SPECIAL TO THE REVIEW-JOURNAL
August 10, 2012 - 1:35 am
 

It took three trials and nine years, but an Arizona man has been sent to prison for a 2001 murder in Golden Valley.

Chip Smith, 41, was sentenced Wednesday to 22 years in prison for the shooting death of Chris Payton, 30.

Smith's first trial in 2003 ended in a hung jury. He was convicted at a second trial, but the 22-year prison sentence was overturned on a legal technicality involving the dismissal of a juror.

Smith was convicted again in May of second-degree murder. Mohave County Superior Court Judge Rick Williams gave him the same sentence Wednesday, with credit for time served.

Prosecutor Ken Skousen maintains the homicide was committed in a dispute involving drugs, money or both.

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