Two people involved in a high school love triangle have been jailed for 25 years and ten years’ probation after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, evidence tampering, and conspiracy to commit murder. Christie Parisien and Jaslyn Smith confessed to the murder of Dwight Grant, while a third defendant, Andre Clements, pleaded not guilty and will stand trial next year.
Police say that Grant’s body was found dead from knife wounds near a Florida apartment complex in 2021. CCTV footage and uncovered text messages between the defendants indicated to officers that they were involved in the killing, which was prompted by romantic rivalry.
Parisien and Clements were reportedly dating at the time, but Clements believed that Grant was a rival for Parisien’s affections. Text messages from Mr. Clements to Ms. Parisien indicated that he planned to kill his adversary, stating, “Murder will definitely happen soon” and “It’ll be bloody.”
Court documents reveal that Parisien subsequently lured Grant to his death, promising a sexual encounter. Smith and Clements were waiting when Grant arrived and subjected him to a prolonged violent attack that ended with a sword to the neck. Clements, Smith, and Parisien then allegedly carried the victim’s body and threw it over a staircase with a 30 feet drop.
Motives are further complicated by the addition of Clements’ unnamed ex-girlfriend, who reportedly had a romantic relationship with Grant, further fueling his jealousy. However, the ex-girlfriend is not implicated in any crime.
All parties were in their teens at the time of the murder, which shocked the Miramar community in Broward County. The victim’s mother, Madge Emile, spoke to journalists about her devastation at losing her son, saying, “I will never see him grow up. I’ll never have a grandchild.” She stated that she misses the small family moments she shared with him, including simply having someone to say good night and good morning to. “I’ll never hear my son say he loves me,” she added.
Mr. Clements will go on trial next January on charges of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree.
