Judge finds probable cause for charges against man accused of attacking bikini baristas in Everett

Yahoo! News - Apr 15th, 2025

Lorenzo Kai Smith, 22, is accused of attacking two bikini baristas at coffee stands along Evergreen Way in Everett. The first incident occurred on April 6th at Lady Bug Espresso, where Smith allegedly forced his way into the stand and assaulted the barista. The barista managed to fend off the attack, and Smith fled the scene. A similar assault took place three days later at Steamy Shots Espresso, where Smith reportedly entered through a window and grabbed a barista. Both attacks led to the police releasing Smith's photos, and he turned himself in on Friday. He faces numerous charges, including assault with sexual motivation, burglary, and trespassing, and is held on a $350,000 bail.

Smith's prior arrest in 2021 for allegedly exposing himself to a minor adds a layer of concern to the current charges, though that case was dismissed. The incidents highlight safety vulnerabilities at espresso stands and raise questions about the adequacy of protective measures for workers in such environments. The court's decision to set a high bail underscores the seriousness of the charges and the perceived threat Smith poses to the community. His actions have prompted discussions around improving security measures and support systems for vulnerable workers in the service industry.

Assault Lorenzo Kai Smith Bikini Baristas Everett Everett Pd Lady Bug Espresso Steamy Shots Espresso Judge Jennifer Millet

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and accurate account of the incidents involving Lorenzo Kai Smith, with a strong focus on factual reporting and clarity. The story is timely and addresses issues of public interest, such as community safety and crime prevention. It effectively captures the reader's attention through vivid descriptions and direct quotes, although it could benefit from additional perspectives to enhance balance and engagement. Source quality and transparency are areas for improvement, as the article could provide more attribution and context for certain claims. Overall, the article is a reliable and informative piece that contributes to the ongoing discourse on crime and safety in the community.

Accuracy

The news story demonstrates a high level of factual accuracy, as it provides detailed accounts of the incidents involving Lorenzo Kai Smith and the subsequent legal proceedings. The identity of the suspect, Lorenzo Kai Smith, and his age as 22 years old are consistent with available records. The descriptions of the attacks at Lady Bug Espresso and Steamy Shots Espresso align with other reports, adding credibility to the narrative. Additionally, the legal actions, including the judge's decision on probable cause and the bail amount set at $350,000, are also accurately represented. However, the story mentions a previous arrest in 2021, which, while noted, would benefit from further verification through official records to confirm its dismissal. Overall, the story provides a reliable account of the events with minimal inaccuracies.

Balance

The story maintains a reasonable balance by presenting the perspectives of both the victims and the legal system. The barista's statement about the traumatic nature of the incident is included, providing insight into the victim's experience. The story also covers the judicial perspective, with comments from Judge Jennifer Millet regarding the violent nature of the offenses and the legal restrictions imposed on Smith. However, the article could enhance its balance by including more information from the defense side or statements from Smith or his legal representation. This would offer a more comprehensive view of the situation, ensuring that all relevant perspectives are considered.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It begins with a summary of the events, followed by detailed accounts of each incident, and concludes with the legal outcomes. The language is straightforward and neutral, making the story accessible to a general audience. However, some details, such as the timeline of events, could be more explicitly stated to avoid potential confusion. Overall, the article effectively communicates the key points of the story, ensuring that readers can easily comprehend the information presented.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, such as statements from the victims and the judge, which add authority to the report. However, the story does not specify the sources for some of its claims, such as the details of the police investigation or the identification of the suspect. Providing attribution for these elements would enhance the story's reliability. Additionally, the absence of direct quotes or statements from law enforcement or legal representatives limits the article's depth. Incorporating a wider range of authoritative sources would strengthen the article's credibility and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the events.

Transparency

The article provides some context regarding the incidents and the legal proceedings, which aids in understanding the situation. However, it lacks transparency in terms of methodology and the basis for certain claims. For instance, the article does not clearly explain how the suspect was identified or the process through which the police gathered evidence. Additionally, while the story mentions a previous arrest, it does not disclose how this information was obtained or verified. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess the reliability of the information presented.