Federal prosecutors are seeking to revoke the U.S. citizenship of a South African man convicted of killing two Alaska Native women. Brian Steven Smith, 52, was found guilty earlier this year in the deaths of the two women, one of whom he recorded as she died. The disturbing video was discovered on a phone stolen from his pickup and later turned over to the authorities.
Prosecutors allege that Smith falsely answered questions on his naturalization application, specifically denying any involvement in killing, hurting, or sexually assaulting anyone. However, it was revealed that he had committed the two murders, which involved torture and sexual assault, before completing the application.
If convicted of illegally obtaining naturalization, Smith's U.S. citizenship could be revoked. A court date for this matter has not yet been scheduled. Smith was convicted in the deaths of Kathleen Henry, 30, and Veronica Abouchuk. Henry's body was found weeks after Smith recorded her death in September 2019 at a hotel in Anchorage where he was employed.
Smith, who arrived in Alaska in 2014, became a naturalized citizen the same month Henry was killed. The second victim, Veronica Abouchuk, was killed in either 2018 or 2019. Smith admitted to picking her up while his wife was away, and when she refused to shower, he fatally shot her and disposed of her body north of Anchorage.
Smith's sentencing is scheduled for two consecutive Fridays in July. It is important to note that Alaska does not have the death penalty. An email seeking comment from Smith's public defender was not immediately returned.
