Manslaughter Case Against Damion Blackman Heads to Grand Jury

Mobile, AL (BuzzReport) – A 19-year-old Mobile man charged with manslaughter in the death of 24-year-old Orlando Smoots Jr. appeared in court Wednesday. Damion Blackman is accused of shooting Smoots at a home on Cherry Ridge Court in west Mobile on February 27.

According to testimony from Detective Scroggins, the shooting stemmed from an argument between Smoots and Blackman’s sister, with whom Smoots was in a dating relationship. The detective stated that the sister had informed Smoots she was cheating on him, leading to a physical and verbal altercation. Scroggins testified that Smoots body-slammed the sister, who then retrieved a knife to slash Smoots’ tires, although a search warrant later revealed the tire was not slashed.

Blackman allegedly became concerned and said, “I’m going to teach Mr. Smoots not to put his hands on my sister again.” He then grabbed his mother’s firearm, and surveillance video showed the three entering a garage where the shots were fired. Eight shell casings were recovered, and Smoots was shot six to seven times. According to Scroggins, Smoots was unarmed.

Blackman’s lawyer, Ivan Parker, argued that the shooting was in defense of his sister, citing the “stand your ground” law. However, the District Attorney’s Office charged Blackman with manslaughter due to a “provocation factor,” described as “a sudden heat of passion caused by provocation recognized by law.” District Court Judge Zachary Moore declined to rule on the matter, sending the case to the Mobile County grand jury for further review.