Little River man sentenced to 30 years jail time for fatal shooting after drug deal that involved counterfeit money

A Little River man was ordered to serve 30 years in prison in connection with a fatal shooting following a drug deal where counterfeit money was used, according to court records.

Christopher Evon Smith, 31, pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder Wednesday before Circuit Court Judge Steven John, who sentenced him to 30 years in prison on each charge. The sentences will run concurrently.

Smith also was ordered to pay court costs and was given credit for any time he’s served since his arrest in November 2013. Prosecutors dismissed a charge of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in exchange for Smith’s guilty plea.

During a hearing in November 2014, Smith was taken into custody after prosecutors learned he was arrested in Kershaw County on a gun charge. Also during that Nov. 10 hearing, Smith rejected an offer to plead guilty to a charge of voluntary manslaughter and a recommended sentence of 25 years in prison.