Posted on: June 06, 2025 08:50 AM

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Bellport man sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for murder

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Shati Smith, 31, of Bellport, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of Murder in the Second Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, for fatally shooting 28-year-old Lee Houpe in June 2022.

“Shati Smith has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the cold and calculated murder of Lee Houpe,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Smith gunned down an unarmed man in broad daylight and then fled the state to avoid justice. Thanks to the swift work by law enforcement, he was captured, extradited, and ultimately convicted.”

The evidence at trial established that, on June 15, 2022, at approximately 1:45 p.m., the victim was standing in a friend’s driveway when Smith got out of his car and opened fire on him, striking him three times. When the victim collapsed to the ground, the defendant proceeded to stand over him and shoot him an additional seven times, striking him in the face, arm, and chest, ultimately killing him. Smith then got into his car and fled the scene.

Smith fled to Virginia where he was found by members of the Suffolk County Police Department and subsequently arrested.

On May 5, 2025, Smith was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C felonies, after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei.

On June 5, 2025, Smith was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He was represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq.

From DA