Detroit man who kidnapped and killed 2-year-old from Lansing sentenced to life in prison

INGHAM COUNTY, Michigan. – A 27-year-old Detroit man was sentenced to life in prison for killing 2-year-old Wynter Cole Smith and attacking her mother in 2023.

Authorities say Rashad Maleek kidnapped Trice Wynter in Lansing, stabbed her mother and sexually assaulted her before stealing her car and killing the toddler. He was arrested in St. Clair Shores just hours after the toddler was abducted, but Wynter was not in the car at the time. Three days later, police found Wynter's body during a search in Detroit.

According to police, Trice actively resisted arrest at the scene of the accident. He was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries sustained in the accident, officials said.

Trice was initially charged with 20 counts related to the crime and the chase that followed. He pleaded guilty to first-degree premeditated murder and sexual abuse on July 1, 2024, almost exactly one year after the crimes were committed.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole on Friday, August 16.

Trice had previously reached an agreement with federal prosecutors about a charge of kidnapping. This agreement carried a life sentence in prison.

—> Full coverage of the murder of Wynter Cole Smith