GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — A Gwinnett County father who has spent more than 23 years behind bars after being convicted of killing his infant son has been granted $100,000 bond.
Danyel Smith’s murder conviction was overturned after new medical evidence challenged the findings used in the case, which had previously been considered a “shaken baby” case.
Smith was granted a new trial earlier this year. Prosecutors are appealing that decision.
Smith has maintained his innocence since his initial conviction. He previously rejected a plea deal that could have allowed him to leave prison if he admitted to the crime, saying he would not admit to something he did not do.
The new medical evidence found that Smith’s son died from medical complications.
Ahead of Tuesday’s bond hearing, Smith’s fiancée, Tasha Pyatt said the family was hopeful he could finally return home after more than two decades in prison.
“I would say it’s about 99% excitement, but that 1% jitter, and it’s because we’ve been down this road so many times,” Pyatt said.
Pyatt said the family had already prepared for Smith’s possible return, including putting up a “Welcome Home” sign and a balloon arch at their home.
“I just want to lay in his arms and that’s all he wants to do with me,” Pyatt said.
State Rep. Marvin Lim has also called for the charges against Smith to be dropped, questioning whether continuing to prosecute the case serves the interests of justice.
“This person has had no other criminal history other than this conviction that has been overturned, subjected to a new trial,” Lim said. “Are we meeting the demands of the justice system? Are we adding anything new by continuing to prosecute this person?”
Lim also pointed to the medical evidence that led to Smith’s conviction being overturned.
“You cannot get back the time spent incarcerated,” he said.
For Smith’s family, Tuesday’s $100,000 bond represents another significant development after more than two decades behind bars.
Prosecutors’ appeal of the decision granting Smith a new trial remains ongoing.
