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Man pleads guilty to state charges in kidnapping, murder of Wynter Cole-Smith

Posted at 4:07 PM, Jul 01, 2024

The man charged with kidnapping a 2-year-old Lansing and murdering her has pleaded guilty in Ingham County.

According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Rashad Trice, 27, pled guilty to one count of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for the kidnapping and murder of Wynter Cole-Smith and the assault of her mohter.

The Detroit man kidnapped Wynter in July 2023 and was arrested in St. Clair Shores a day later. After a statewide search, her body was found in an alley on Detroit's east side a few days later.

WATCH: Rashad Trice's criminal history: He obstructed, fought police 5+ times in 2 years

Rashad Trice's criminal history: Alleged kidnapper obstructed, fought police 5+ times in 2 years

Trice sexually assaulted and stabbed his former girlfriend before he kidnapped her daughter, Wynter. The AG's office took over the case after an agreement with Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido, and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy to consolidate the charges into one prosecution.

Earlier this year, Trice pled guilty to a federal charge of kidnapping resulting in death and will be sentenced for it on July 19. He faces a mandatory life sentence.

He will be sentenced on the state charges on Aug. 16.

WATCH: 'We are heartbroken.' Wynter's family plans Friday vigil in memory of 2-year-old

'We are heartbroken.' Wynter's family plans Friday vigil in memory of 2-year-old