Philadelphia Man Convicted in New Jersey Murder-for-Hire Plot Targeting NJ Prosecutors and Judges

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that Steven Smink, 62, of Philadelphia, has been convicted for orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot to kill multiple New Jersey government officials, including prosecutors and judges involved in his prior criminal case.

Smink was found guilty on August 15, 2025, of:

• Conspiracy to commit murder (1st degree)

• Five counts of attempted murder (1st degree)

• Conspiracy to transport weapons (4th degree)

• Transporting weapons (4th degree)

AG Platkin: “He Planned to Kill Public Servants”

“This defendant planned to kill public servants for doing their jobs and putting him behind bars,” said Attorney General Platkin. “State Police and prison officials interceded before anyone was harmed. He now faces a lengthy prison sentence for his violent scheme.”

DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton praised the outcome:

“Protecting the public includes protecting the people who work every day to keep us safe and hold criminals accountable.”

NJSP Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan added:

“The safety of those who serve the public is non-negotiable. This verdict reflects the dedication of detectives who prevented a deadly attack and upheld the integrity of our democracy.”

The Plot: Prosecutors, Judges Targeted

Smink conspired between 2018 and 2020 to kill:

• Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae

• First Assistant Prosecutor Harold Shapiro

• Two Superior Court judges

• One assistant prosecutor

All were connected to his 2014 arson conviction, when Smink — then owner of a South Jersey bowling alley — was sentenced to 15 years for hiring others to torch a rival business.

While serving time at Northern State Prison in Newark, Smink sought help from gang members and a cooperating witness to arrange contract killings. He used sports memorabilia and letters from his late mother to facilitate the plot.

In a chilling statement to an undercover officer, Smink suggested:

“If everybody was together, wipe the whole place out… it just looks like a gang retribution hit.”

Investigation and Trial

The case was a result of a joint investigation by the:

• New Jersey State Police Central Intelligence Unit

• NJ Department of Corrections Special Investigations Division (SID)

• Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office

The trial was presided over by Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Joseph A. Levin.

The state was represented by Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Parvin, Deputy Attorney General Veronica Daddario, and Deputy Attorney General Amie Hyde.

Sentencing Date Set

Smink faces 30 years to life in prison, with a mandatory 30-year minimum before parole eligibility. Sentencing is scheduled for September 26, 2025.

Defense counsel: Durann A. Neil, Esq., Philadelphia.

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