Clovis, NM – Ninth Judicial District Attorney Quentin Ray announced today that Jeffery Smiley, 51, of Clovis has been sentenced to 33 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections for his role in a July 11, 2023, shooting that left his 7-year-old daughter critically injured after being shot in the forehead.
Following a four-day jury trial, Smiley was convicted on July 24, 2025, of multiple charges including, Child Resulting in Great Bodily Harm (1st Degree Felony), Felon in Possession of a Firearm (3rd Degree Felony), Shooting at or From a Motor Vehicle Resulting in Great Bodily Harm and Child Abuse with Mental Anguish.
The case was prosecuted by Special Prosecutor Brett Carter and Senior Trial Prosecutor Anthony Jaimes, who called over a dozen witnesses and presented more than 95 exhibits during the trial. Smiley must serve a minimum of 25 years before becoming eligible for parole.
The shooting occurred on July 11, 2023, shortly after Smiley attended a domestic violence hearing in Clovis, where he learned his divorce had been finalized and that he was prohibited from having contact with his daughter.
Following the proceeding, Smiley was picked up from court by an adult daughter and son-in-law. While traveling through a residential area, the vehicle Smiley was riding in encountered a white SUV occupied by his ex-wife, her male friend, and three children. Smiley discharged twelve rounds from a .45 caliber firearm into the SUV. One of the rounds tragically struck his 7-year-old daughter in the forehead.
She was rushed to Plains Regional Medical Center with life threatening injuries. Dr. Mark Lockett, an ER physician with expertise in trauma and gunshot wounds, and the physician who treated the young child, testified at trial that he did not expect the child to survive.
The bullet impact shattered the child’s skull, sending both bone and bullet fragments into her brain.
District Attorney, Quentin Ray, stated:
“This child is incredibly lucky to be alive. An experienced trauma surgeon happened to be on duty that day, administered life-saving care, and had her immediately transferred to a Level 1 trauma hospital in Lubbock. We are grateful for the medical professionals who played a vital role in her survival.”
The Ninth Judicial District Major Crimes Unit conducted the joint investigation, including analysis of video footage from the 1100 block of Calhoun, which identified Smiley as the shooter. He later surrendered to police.
Smiley was represented by Sandra Gallagher of the Law Office of the Public Defender.
For more information, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at (575) 769-2246.