MADISON MAN SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY’S FIRST DEALING RESULTING IN DEATH CONVICTION

First conviction of this kind in Jefferson County

Jefferson County, Indiana – Mark Anthony Smith (43), of Madison, Indiana, was sentenced on December 10, 2025, by Judge D.J Mote to 30 years at the Indiana Department of Correction. Smith was convicted of Dealing in A Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, a Level 1 Felony for the July 21, 2024, death of David Bradley Parks (38). Smith’s conviction marks the first Dealing Resulting in Death conviction in Jefferson County.

“This case exhibits why strict sentences are imposed on individuals who deal deadly narcotics” said Prosecutor David Sutter. Sentences such as Smith’s imposed by Judge Mote are necessary as the stakes could not be higher.”

Parks, a resident at the Jefferson House, a transitional home for individuals in recovery, was found unresponsive on July 21, 2024. Witnesses and medical personnel were unable to revive him. Toxicology later determined Parks cause of death as fentanyl, xylazine, and para-fluorofentanyl toxicity. Xylazine, described in the toxicology report as a veterinary sedative, is commonly used an adulterant in illegal street drugs, such as fentanyl. Because it is not an opioid, its effects cannot be reversed by Narcan.

Detective Phillip Wimpee of the Madison Police Department played an instrumental in uncovering the events leading to this tragedy. Forensic analysis of Parks’ phone revealed communication discussing a drug transaction with a contact known as “Smitty” occurring just prior to Parks’ death. “Smitty” was identified as Mark Anthony Smith. In the July 21st text exchange, Smith confirmed meeting at Parks’ location and referenced not having a bag to package the narcotics and alternatively concealed the illegal substances in a card. Recovered in Parks’ wallet was a basketball card matching the description given by Smith that contained a powder-like substance.

The Indiana State Laboratory further confirmed that the substances recovered inside the card contained the same fentanyl and xylazine found in the corner’s toxicology report. The connecting evidence led investigators to the strong conclusion that the drugs Smith sold on July 21, 2024, were the same drugs that caused Parks’ death.

A warrant was issued for Smith’s arrest, and he was apprehended during a traffic stop in Jeffersonville, Indiana. During the traffic stop, Smith admitted to law enforcement that he has sold fentanyl to three (3) people and methamphetamine to a couple hundred people in his lifetime. Also recovered in the traffic stop were large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Subsequently, Smith was charged in Clark County, with multiple counts of dealing and possession of methamphetamine and narcotic drug. Smith’s charges in Clark County are still pending.

“When individuals sell fentanyl and other illegal substances, it is a decision to gamble with other people’s lives. The outcome seen in this case, the loss of David Parks, is the heartbreaking reality.” said Prosecutor Sutter.

During the sentencing hearing, a member of Parks’ family delivered an emotional victim impact statement expressing the magnitude of their family’s loss, including the irreplaceable loss of a father for his two young children.

Following the victim impact statements Judge Mote remarked “Mr. Parks had value. No matter the circumstances as to how he came into contact with Smith, he had value.”

Our gratitude is extended to Detective Phillip Wimpee, the City Madison Police Department, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, NKDH EMS, the Indiana State Police Laboratory, Deputy Prosecutor Michaelia Gilbert, and the Jeffersonville Police Department, for ensuring that Parks’ family received answers and Smith was held fully accountable.