‘You can’t even look at us’: Man accused of killing 11-year-old Abbie Smith faces family in court

Tensions reached a high Friday when the man accused of senselessly murdering an 11-year-old girl appeared in a New Jersey court for the first time.

Crime Online previously reported that the body of Abbiegail “Abbie” Smith, 11, was recovered behind the Keansburg apartment complex where she lived Thursday. The grisly discovery came hours after the girl’s mother reported her missing.

The same day, prosecutors announced the arrest of Andreas Erazo, 18, who lived in the same building. On Friday, the 18-year-old faced the victim’s heartbroken family in a Freehold Superior Court.

“You killed my daughter! I hope you rot in jail,” the girl’s mother screamed as Erazo was being led away in handcuffs. “My one and only daughter. You need to rot in jail. You can’t even look at us!”

While being escorted out the courtroom, the grieving mother said, “He took my one and only daughter away from me,” according to NJ.com.

Speaking with WCBS from Kingston, Jamaica, the girl’s father expressed immense grief over losing his daughter in such a violent manner.

“She was my everything, she was my princess, she was my angel,” Kenroy Smith said. “I just imagine my little baby fighting for her life.”

A tearful Smith said he intends to come to the US to see his daughter’s alleged murderer in person.

“I want to look him in his eyes and ask him questions. Please, I want to see him, please let me see him,” he said.

In court, prosecutors revealed that Smith was stabbed to death. Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said he wouldn’t disclose specific details involving the stabbing or whether she was sexually abused as they’re awaiting a complete autopsy report.

However, Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Decker stated that Smith was killed shortly after her abduction on Wednesday.

Gramiccioni also declined to identify a motive or explain how the pair crossed paths.

Erazo faces first-degree murder and weapons charges. Additional details involving Smith’s death will likely come to light during Wednesday’s detention hearing.

The 11-year-old was laid to rest on Monday.

[Feature Image: Keansburg Police Department]