Murder Victim's Family Reacts After Appeals Court Grants New Trial To Convicted Killer

An unexpected court decision will force a metro family to relive their loved one’s death.

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals threw out Jamar Simms’ 2018 double murder conviction and granted him a new trial. The decision was made last month, however, the family found out this week.

They also learned Simms was sent from prison to the Oklahoma County Detention Center where he awaits trial.

“We are stuck back in square one,” said Doris Smith, the victim’s mother. “Back to square one.” 

Smith said she is not looking forward to going back to the Oklahoma County Courthouse to relive her son's death. Simms was convicted by a jury for the shooting deaths of Cheemeka Harris and Smith's son, Kendre Smith.

“All of this over marijuana; $70 worth of marijuana,” Smith said.

Smith learned during the last trial that Simms coordinated a drug deal between her son, Harris and two other people. However, investigators said it turned into a deadly robbery in northeast Oklahoma City.

“Everything led up to Jamar being in the vehicle when they met up to that spot,” said Smith. 

Simms appealed his conviction, stating he was not the dealer or an accomplice, but only there to buy drugs. The court of criminal appeals agreed prosecutors lacked evidence to support his conviction and reversed the jury's decision.

“There’s a possibility that he could walk away for something that we all know he did,” said Smith. 

Smith said there were two people with Simms in the car, but he never revealed their names during the investigation or the trial.

“Jamar knows what happened,” said Smith. “He’s an accessory to whatever it is. He needs to come forth and tell the truth.”

Smith said she will continue to fight for justice for her son and the children he left behind.

“My grandchildren that now, two of them, are 9 and one is 8,” said Smith. “They don’t have a father.”

Smith was told by the Oklahoma County district attorney’s office the new trial date could be announced next week.