Schenectady man admits severely injuring baby daughter

SCHENECTADY — A 30-year-old city man pleaded guilty Monday in Schenectady County Court to smashing his baby daughter's head against a wall in frustration of her constant crying. The baby continues to receive rehabilitative care due to a severe brain injury. Lamar Smith, of 1003 Delamont Ave., will be sentenced to 20 years in prison on July 22 by Acting Judge Richard Sise. He pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, a B-violent felony, in full satisfaction of the charges against him, said Assistant District Attorney Andra Ackerman, special victims bureau chief. Smith was scheduled for trial Monday but opted to take the plea agreement instead, officials said. Smith told the court he grabbed and shook the child, Lavay Sha Smith, who was 23 months old at the time, inside his home on Oct. 4, 2007, because she was constantly crying... [read full story]