Santa Rosa homeless man to betried in slaying

A judge ruled Tuesday there is enough evidence to try a man on suspicion of murder in the May killing of another outside a home for former transients in Santa Rosa.|
PAUL PAYNE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A judge has ruled there is sufficient evidence to try a Santa Rosa homeless man in the slaying of another man at a house for former transient people.

Judge Julie Conger found Khalil Rahim Keith, 35, could be tried on suspicion of murder, with enhancements for prior prison convictions, in the May 11 stabbing of Willie Ray Smith, 47.

The ruling came Monday following a two-day preliminary hearing.

Prosecutors believe Keith was visiting Smith at the Red Tail Street home when the killing occurred. A roommate testified she overheard the two fight over Smith’s request for oral sex.

Smith was found mortally wounded on the sidewalk. He later died at a hospital.

Keith was arrested at a park less than a mile away. He has been held without bail.

Keith will return to court Aug. 3 to set a trial date. He faces life in prison if convicted.

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