Brunswick County man sentenced to at least 10 years for Southport shooting

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — A Brunswick County man has been sentenced to 10 to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted first-degree murder and related charges stemming from a 2024 shooting in Southport, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Malaki Smith pleased guilty Monday to attempted first-degree murder, discharging a weapon into occupied property, and attempted discharging a weapon into occupied property.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, on July 6, 2024, authorities received a call reporting shots fired into a residence in Southport. Five people were inside the home at the time of the shooting.

Investigators determined that Smith used an automatic weapon to fire into the residence, targeting a former romantic partner who had recently ended their relationship. Officials say he had a history of violence and threats toward the victim, including prior threats involving a firearm.

Shortly after the shooting, law enforcement stopped a vehicle in which Smith was a passenger. A search of the vehicle revealed evidence connecting him to the crime. No one got hurt during the shooting.