Convict continues to seek new trial
Fayette County Common Pleas Judge John F. Wagner said he will rule at a later date after hearing additional testimony Thursday in the case of a convicted felon seeking a new trial.
William “Wee Wee” Smith, 41, is serving a 20-year sentence for firing a gun at two people outside a Uniontown pharmacy in January 2012.
Smith, who is now acting as his own attorney, contends his defense attorney, Assistant Public Defender Michael Garofalo, missed opportunities to suppress evidence and to call a woman he considers to be a key defense witness.
Assistant District Attorney Anthony Iannamorelli Thursday called upon Garofalo to testify regarding his attempts to contact that potential witness, Chantel Randolph.
“We had a phone number for Miss Randolph, a 438 number, that I called several times in August without success,” Garofalo said.
Garofalo said Smith also gave him information that Randolph was in jail in Ohio, but did not provide more detailed information, making it impossible to track her down.
Smith, participating in the proceedings by video conference from the state prison at Albion, contended that Randolph was on the streets of Uniontown when Garofalo first attempted to reach her.
“I never told Mr. Garofalo that Chantel Randolph was incarcerated. We never got a chance to have her testimony under oath,” Smith said.
A weapon found at Randolph’s house was reportedly used in the shooting.
The Pennsylvania Superior Court denied Smith’s appeal. He has filed his current appeal under the Post Conviction Relief Act, asking for a new trial.