We often discuss the criminal defense question of whether it is better to smile or not smile for a mugshot. Shanda Johnson-Williams, 48, went with the smile option, but it somehow does not quite fit the moment given that she is accused of . . .
stabbing her husband to death in Oklahoma.
Her husband, Jamie Williams, 48, was found at his home with a stab wound. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) announced via Facebook the charging of Johnson-Williams with first degree murder.
A mugshot is rarely introduced in a trial unless relevant to issues of injuries or other material fact. If Johnson-Williams were to claim that she was distraught and grieving at the time of her arrest (for example to contest statements), the prosecutors could seek to introduce the photograph. That would be disastrous for the defense for obvious reasons.