In 2008, The Winston-Salem City Council appointed a Silk Plant Forest Citizens Review Committee to look into Smith's case. It found evidence not presented at his trial and extensive police investigation errors. The group is pushing the city to file the brief. Committee Co-chair Steve Boyd says the best way to uncover the truth surrounding Marker's beating is by giving Smith a new trial where a jury can hear all evidence. In 2008, The Winston-Salem City Council appointed a Silk Plant Forest Citizens Review Committee to look into Smith’s case. It found evidence not presented at his trial and extensive police investigation errors. The group is pushing the city to file the brief. Committee co-chair Steve Boyd says the best way to uncover the truth surrounding Marker’s beating is by giving Smith a new trial where a jury can hear all evidence. “It’s all of our business if someone spends time in prison who doesn’t belong there we all lose," explains Boyd. "As Dr. King said we’re knit together in one single garment of destiny. We cannot flourish without the contributions of everyone.” Councilman Montgomery says the city council should go on record supporting a new trial for Smith. "I think it has potential to influence the courts. But then it also shows the community that in an instance when there's some kind of injustice the city will exhaust every reasonable method to get to the bottom of an issue. Which I don't think we've exhausted every method." Smith was convicted of beating Marker in 1997. He's serving a 23-to-29 year sentence.