by A Philadelphia man charged with murdering his pregnant girlfriend and her unborn child appeared in court this week after being on the run for four years.
The case has deeply impacted the victim’s family and the local community, who are seeking justice for Dianna Brice.
What Happened
Justin Smith, 27, made his first court appearance on Wednesday in Philadelphia regarding the 2021 murder of Dianna Brice and her unborn baby. Smith was arrested in March 2025 in Atlanta and subsequently extradited back to Pennsylvania.
Brice was reported missing on March 30, 2021, after being last seen entering Smith’s vehicle in Upper Darby. On the same day, the car was found burned in Southwest Philadelphia. Weeks later, Brice’s body was discovered in a wooded area near Eastwick Avenue with multiple gunshot wounds.
Key Details
- Victim: Dianna Brice, pregnant at the time of her death, and her unborn child
- Suspect: Justin Smith, 27
- Date of Crime: March 2021
- Arrest: March 2025 in Atlanta
- Court Appearance: First court appearance held in Philadelphia on May 2025
- Legal move: Smith waived his right to a preliminary hearing, limiting early witness testimony
Reactions and Statements
Brice’s family expressed raw emotion during the court proceedings. Her mother, Betty Cellini, described her daughter as her “rock” and emphasized the irreversible loss.
“It’s been four years. Justice will be served,” said Cellini.
“She took everything she knew about me to her grave. I can never replace her,” she added.
Sean Miller, Brice’s uncle, voiced certainty about Smith’s guilt and the deep pain caused by the loss of two lives.
“He’s guilty as charged. Two lives are taken from my family. They can’t come back to us except for memories.”
The family also shared that Brice left behind an 8-year-old son, who remains their motivation for seeking justice.
Investigation and What’s Next
Smith’s waiver of the preliminary hearing means the defense will not face early witness testimonies or early review of the prosecution’s evidence. This legal strategy, advised by Smith’s court-appointed attorney, will delay some courtroom procedures but does not affect the family’s confidence in justice being served.
Smith is scheduled to return to court on June 4, 2025, as the case progresses.
FAQs
Q: When was Dianna Brice reported missing?
A: March 30, 2021, after last being seen with Justin Smith.
Q: Where was Justin Smith arrested?
A: Atlanta, Georgia, in March 2025.
Q: What legal strategy did Smith’s defense use at the first hearing?
A: He waived his right to a preliminary hearing to avoid early witness testimonies.
Q: Has Smith pleaded guilty or not guilty?
A: The plea has not been stated publicly yet.
Q: When is the next court date?
A: June 4, 2025.
Summary / Final Takeaway
After four years on the run, Justin Smith’s arrest and court appearance mark a significant step toward justice for Dianna Brice and her unborn child.
The case continues to resonate deeply within the Philadelphia community and the victim’s family, who remain hopeful as the legal process moves forward.
