Carlie's Killer Begs for His Life

Feb. 15, 2006 — -- The man convicted of raping and murdering an 11-year-old girl begged a judge to spare his life Tuesday night.

A security camera at a Florida car wash taped Joseph Smith grabbing the wrist of Carlie Brucia as she walked home from a friend's house in February 2004. A jury took five hours to convict him.

On Tuesday, Smith, 39, blamed drug addiction for his crimes.

"My world was really coming apart fast," Smith said in court. "I just wanted to die on that day, so I went out, copped a bunch of heroin, started injecting it, hoping I would overdose. I was very angry at myself and very high. I knew I was wrong, but I couldn't stop."

Smith said he would rather spend his life in prison than hurt his three daughters with his execution.

Prosecutor Debra Johnes Riva urged the judge not to allow Smith to use drugs as an excuse, pointing out that he was lucid enough to hide Carlie's body, her book bag, and her clothes.

Riva read a statement from Carlie's mother, who is now in jail on drug charges.

"My heart, my mind and my body ache all the time," the statement read. "I will never have closure. It does not exist."

Outside the court, Carlie's stepfather was not moved by Smith's words.

"He didn't change my feelings one bit," Steven Kansler said. "It doesn't bring Carlie back. I don't care what he feels. I'll be happy when I watch him die."

Smith will be sentenced March 15. Under Florida law, the judge must give significant weight to the jury's recommendation. Ten of the 12 jurors have called for the death penalty.