Ex-bowling alley owner convicted in murder plot targeting officials, including prosecutor, judges

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- A former South Jersey bowling alley owner serving prison time for arson has been convicted of plotting to kill multiple government officials, including Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae.

Stephen Smink, 62, of Philadelphia, was convicted on Aug. 15, 2025, of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and other related offenses.

Prosecutors said Smink orchestrated the murder plot between January 2018 and December 2020 while serving a 15-year sentence for the arson at rival bowling alley Loyle Lanes in 2010.

According to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, Smink targeted Webb-McRae, First Assistant Prosecutor Harold Shapiro, two Superior Court judges, and an assistant prosecutor - all of whom were involved in his 2014 arson conviction.

"This defendant planned to kill public servants for doing their jobs and putting him behind bars for crimes he previously committed," Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement. "State Police and prison officials found out about his plan and interceded before anyone was harmed. He now faces a lengthy prison sentence for his violent scheme."

Smink previously owned Pike Lanes on Landis Avenue.

Two Philadelphia men who were hired in the original arson case previously pleaded guilty.

He now faces a minimum of 30 years to life in prison for the murder-for-hire plot and must serve at least 30 years before becoming eligible for parole.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 26.