Justin Anthony "J-Train" Smolka was a failed actor, meth-abusing rapper, and prime suspect in the murder of police officer Nick Carvahal.
History[]
Smolka is an Orlando native who created a "J-Train" alter ego for a bad boy public image. In truth, he overcompensated his image with petty fights, burglaries, and dealing and being addicted to meth. Smolka married actress Sky Sweet for money and publicity, having a baby daughter with her named Sophia. Sky was an irresponsible parent, but Smolka was uninvolved with the family as well, estranging himself to focus on a divorce where he planned to avoid a prenup fee.
Smolka planned a scheme where he'd hire paparazzi photographer Gary Blanchard to take a photo of Sky in a compromising position, which Smolka would set up to use in family court. Smolka provided Sky drugs at a Miami nightclub while she was still pregnant, and Blanchard hid in the bathroom to take the photos. The plan unraveled when Blanchard demanded double the fee that he and Smolka originally agreed on and also planned to sell the photos to gossip columnist Adam Stein for more money. Smolka solicited fellow addict Michael Wayland to give him a gun and be a getaway driver for when Smolka would break into Blanchard's flat and steal the photos. When Detective Nick Carvahal, who lived in the building, tried to stop Smolka, Smolka shot him dead and fled with Whelan, leaving the gun back at his apartment.
It was originally believed Smolka was trying to protect Sky after Whelan confessed to his involvement. Stein then wrote an article, stating the police and prosecutors had the wrong motive, so he was arrested on contempt and eventually gave up what he knew about Blanchard's photos. When Blanchard confessed his involvement in the divorce scam in open court, Sky turned on Smolka and sold him out. Smolka was convinced to confess in full and plead guilty to second-degree murder of a detective. He was sentenced to twenty years in prison. (L&O: "Fame")