Springfield Man Found Guilty in 2021 Murder

A Sangamon County jury has found Jahsen Thomas guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm in the April 23, 2021, killing of Courtney Smith.

During the trial, jurors heard testimony from neighbors in the 200 block of North Lincoln Avenue, where the shooting occurred. Witnesses testified they heard gunfire and saw a male and female in the front yard of a residence. One neighbor, who placed a 911 call at 11:42 a.m., told jurors he saw Thomas holding a handgun over Smith before firing a fatal shot to her head.

Springfield police officers who responded to the scene testified that they found Thomas kneeling over Smith with a gun nearby. Despite repeated commands to move away, Thomas did not comply. After about 20 minutes of negotiations, officers used bean bag rounds to subdue him and take him into custody. A loaded .44 magnum revolver was recovered at the scene. Forensic experts with the Illinois State Police testified that bullets recovered during the autopsy matched the revolver. Smith had been shot five times and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The case was prosecuted by Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser and First Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers. After the verdict, Milhiser issued a statement, saying, "My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Courtney Smith, who had to sit through the trial and listen to testimony regarding the brutal actions of this defendant. Thanks to the Springfield Police Department for their professional response at the scene and during the investigation.”

Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18, 2025, before Judge Rudolph Braud.