The judge had no decision to make as the law is clear that there is only one possible sentence for a conviction of murder. Smith’s family spoke at sentencing, one person saying they forgive Estelle for his crime. "I ask the family for forgiveness," Estelle said as he fought back tears. "I mean that from everything I got in me. I have been reading my Bible and in the Lord’s prayer, Jesus told his disciples as we ask for forgiveness for our trespass, forgive those who trespass against us. And he also told his disciples if you don’t forgive, then God will not forgive us. So I just pray that y’all really have forgiveness in your heart."

The defense says there’s a lot wrong with the state’s arguments. The defense believes Harmon was lying about the fight. They also say this was self-defense by Estelle. If Smith doesn’t come to confront Estelle at his own house, this doesn’t happen.