Woolwich Man Convicted Of Fatally Gunning Down His Stepfather During A Family Dispute

Sunday, January 25, 2026, 9:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

WOOLWICH, NJ.- On Tuesday, following a trial in Gloucester County Superior Court, a 30-year-old Woolwich, New Jersey, man learned he will be facing up to life in New Jersey State Prison when sentenced next month after being convicted for the October 2021 shooting death of his 43-year-old stepfather inside their Woolwich, New Jersey, home.

     According to Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns, following a two-week trial in Gloucester County Superior Court before Superior Court Judge William Ziegler, a jury found Christian Smith, 30, of Woolwich, New Jersey, guilty of first-degree Murder; and second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in the shooting death of Dennis McKenzie, Jr.

     Following the jury returning their findings of guilt, Judge Ziegler accepted the verdict and scheduled sentencing for February 20, 2026. At that time, Smith faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years and up to life in New Jersey State Prison.

     During the trial, the Gloucester Prosecutor’s Office presented evidence that proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on October 9, 2021, Smith and his stepfather, Mr. McKenzie, became involved in a verbal altercation inside their Woolwich, New Jersey home over offensive comments Smith made about the sexuality of Mr. McKenzie’s daughter and her friend.

     Smith’s mother and sister attempted to diffuse the situation, with his mother putting herself between the two men. As the altercation escalated, Mr. McKenzie attempted to hit Smith, who pulled out a 9mm semi-automatic handgun from his waistband, held it over his mother, and shot Mr. McKenzie once in the face and three times in the back, causing his death. Smith then broke down the gun and recorded himself saying, “That’s What He Gets.”

     According to a statement made by Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns, “This conviction is the result of thorough investigative work and strong collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors from the outset of this case. The jury’s verdict underscores the strength of the evidence presented and our office’s continued commitment to protecting the safety of our communities.”