CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After pleading guilty to being involved in a fatal shooting that left a woman dead in October 2018, one woman has been sentenced to prison.
Yamina Rookard, 21, appeared in Mecklenburg County court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 80-108 months (6-9 years) in prison for the death of Jessica Smith, 29, in 2018.
Smith was shot in the head on Oct. 17, 2018 around 11 p.m. near the intersection of Central Avenue and Eastcrest Avenue.
Police originally did not identify any suspects in the case but later arrested two teenagers, including Rookard, in December.
Rookard, who was 17 at the time, was charged with murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. The other suspect's name was not released due to their age.
While Rookard still faced a murder charge throughout the years since she was arrested, she was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, according to court records.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshots of the suspects in this case because Yamina Rookard was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.