Donald Smith wasn't there for his only son, Donald Smith Jr., when he was growing up, but the 25-year-old said Wednesday that he is closer to his dad now more than ever, despite Smith being locked up.
Smith was found guilty last week of kidnapping, raping and killing 8-year-old Cherish Perrywinkle in 2013.
Smith Jr. testified in his father's penalty phase trial from Maine via Skype. He told the court and the 12 jurors who will now decide his father's fate - whether or not Smith will get the death penalty - that his father was absent for a majority of his life.
"I didn't have that father figure around," Smith Jr. said.
Because of that, Smith revealed he dabbled in drugs and became addicted, similar to his father. He said he did drugs for about 10 years of his life to help him cope.
"There was a pain there, there was definitely abandonment issues," he said. "I found out [drugs] eased pain and helped me forget ... I made it a habit."
Smith Jr. said he also remembered doing illegal drugs with his father when he was 16 instead of ordinary things dads tend to do with their kids like "playing catch or going fishing."
Smith Jr. said he has been sober for about four-to-five years thanks to his faith, but he revealed that sobriety is a struggle. He said that gets help through God, as well as through his relationship with his father.
"I definitely benefit from him," Smith Jr. said. "I talk to him at least once a week, twice a week. He gives me good advice. He wasn't able to do that before. He was out on the streets because he was chasing the drug. I know exactly what that is like," he said. "It changes who you are. It changes what your priorities are. It comes first. He wasn't able to have this relationship with me before because of that."
He said the two do not focus on the past and his absence, but rather focus on the benefit his dad brings to his life now.
"No one can take the place of my dad, he is my blood, my real dad," Smith Jr. said.
Following the defense's questioning of Smith Jr., the prosecution did not cross-examine him.
The day wrapped up with Smith waiving his right to testify, as well as his right to sequester the jury.
Closing arguments are expected to start at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Click here to watch the livestream.
WATCH FULL VIDEO of Smith Jr.'s testimony below:
