Former Raiders player, 2 others accused of murder

Former Raiders football defensive end Anthony Wayne Smith and two alleged associates have been charged with murdering a 31-year-old man in Lancaster more than two years ago, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said Friday.

Prosecutors allege that Smith, 43, of Fontana; Charles Eric Honest, 41, of Los Angeles; and Dewann Wesley White, 32, of Bloomington, murdered Maurilio Ponce on Oct. 7, 2008. Charges of one count each of murder were filed against the defendants last month, and they were arrested earlier this week, prosecutors said.

According to the district attorney's office, Smith, who played with the Raiders between 1991 and 1998, was scheduled to be arraigned Friday along with White; Honest’s arraignment has been postponed to March 17.

Prosecutors have recommended that Smith and Honest, who is alleged to have a previous voluntary manslaughter conviction in Torrance in 1996, be held on $1-million bail each. Prosecutors recommended $1.05-million bail for White.

Ponce was beaten and shot several times before his body was dumped near the Antelope Valley poppy fields about 11 miles west of Lancaster.

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-- Ann M. Simmons

Photo: Anthony Smith of the Raiders in 1994. Credit: Los Angeles Times

 

Comments

[u know]

This is bizarre, I wouldnt have been surprised to see a Raiders fan to be arrested for murder, but a player?? wow

[MJ]

Shocked its not a Trojan...

[gibby]

I grew up with Anthony in his hometown of Elizabeth City N.C.. I am "shocked" and deeply saddened by these events. He was like my big brother. All I can do is pray for the parties involved and send my sympathy to the family of the victim. I have no words to describe this. None.

[David]

I thought Darryl Henley went to UCLA and not USC.

[David]

I thought Darryl Henley went to UCLA and not USC.

[Yolanda Moore-Jones, North Carolina]

I am shocked, I grew up with Anthony Smith, same sub-division, same High School, my father and his brother were on the Police force together. Anthony did not have a violent bone in his body, I am sure God's mercy and justice will prevail.

[Big Fun, North Carolina]

Anthony and I grew up together in Elizabeth City, North Carolina and played basketball together at the neighborhood courts. My father and his brother were police officers together, and I know the family very well. My prayers go out to Anthony, his family, and as well as the victims family. There has to be a explaination, remember innocent until proven guilty.

-Big Fun