Judge Sentences Albany Woman for 2025 Shooting
Celanna Smith received a 16-year prison term following her conviction for a shooting that occurred in Albany.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Violence
Judge Andra Ackerman sentenced 26-year-old Celanna Smith to 16 years in state prison for a 2025 shooting. Smith will also serve five years of probation following the completion of her prison term.
Why it matters
The sentencing follows a jury conviction on charges including second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault. The victim in the shooting sustained a punctured lung, a lacerated liver, and a bullet wound.
The court handed down the 16-year sentence following a 4-day trial that resulted in a conviction on May 11, 2026. Smith faced up to 25 years in prison for the charges.
The players
Celanna Smith
She is the 26-year-old individual convicted of attempted murder and assault.
Andra Ackerman
She is the judge who presided over the case and issued the 16-year sentence.
The details
Evidence presented during the trial included cellphone video of the confrontation and an audio recording of a friend instructing Smith to fire the weapon. The incident took place at 12:45 a.m. and resulted in serious injuries to the victim.
Timeline
August 13, 2025: The shooting occurred in Albany.
September 18, 2025: Police arrested Celanna Smith.
May 11, 2026: A jury convicted Smith on multiple felony charges.
October 16, 2026: Judge Andra Ackerman sentenced Smith to 16 years in prison.
Legal Context
The sentence is governed by New York's Penal Law sentencing guidelines for violent felonies. This case follows the established judicial process for serious assault and attempted murder convictions within the local jurisdiction.
The conclusion of this case brings the legal proceedings regarding the 2025 shooting to an end. Residents in the area are no longer impacted by the active police search that followed the initial crime.
The takeaway
The case highlights the role of digital evidence in modern criminal investigations. Surveillance video and audio recordings provided the necessary proof for the jury to reach a conviction.
Further reading
For more on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Albany Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New City Daily Voice.
