Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A woman from East Mount Airy has been sentenced to three to six years in prison for fatally stabbing a Lincoln University student during a dormitory fight in 2022. Nydira Smith, 41, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and simple assault after she inserted herself into a fight armed with a steak knife, resulting in the death of 21-year-old Jawine Evans.
Prosecutors argued that there was sufficient evidence showing that Smith had intended to kill Evans when she intervened in the altercation, ultimately leading to his death and injuring two others. Deputy District Attorney Bridget Gallagher pushed for a much harsher sentence of 20 to 57 years behind bars, emphasizing the lasting impact of Smith’s actions on the victims and their families.
The tragic incident unfolded after Smith’s brother, Malik Stevens, who was a student at Lincoln University, called her for help following an altercation with a group of students. Smith arrived at the dormitory and was confronted by a larger group, including Evans, which escalated into a physical fight. Feeling threatened, Smith pulled out a steak knife and began swinging it, fatally stabbing Evans and causing minor injuries to others involved.
During the trial, it was revealed that Evans, a graduate of South Philadelphia High, lost his life due to Smith’s split-second decision. His mother, Beverly, expressed her grief over the loss of her son, who she believed had endless opportunities ahead of him that were cut short by the senseless violence.
Smith’s defense attorney portrayed her as a protective older sister who acted out of fear for her safety and her brother’s. He presented character witnesses who spoke highly of Smith as a community volunteer and emphasized her peaceful nature. In a tearful statement in court, Smith expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging the pain she caused Evans’ family and the impact of her choices.
As Smith begins her sentence, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragic event and the loss of a young life. The case serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of violence and the importance of conflict resolution in preventing such devastating outcomes in the future.