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The Sun
23-05-2025
- The Sun
Pleading final words of death row's oldest inmate, 75, as he was executed by injection for killing wife & her two sons
DEATH row's oldest inmate left behind an eerie plea with his final words before being executed by lethal injection. Tennessee inmate Oscar Smith, 75, was put to death on Thursday morning for the 1989 murders of his ex-wife and her teenage sons in the state's first execution since 2020. 7 7 With his final words, Smith insisted that he was innocent and begged for the justice system to be reformed. He said: "Somebody needs to tell the governor the justice system doesn't work." Refuting his conviction one final time, Smith said: "I didn't kill her." He was pronounced dead at 10:47am on Thursday after receiving a lethal dose of the drug pentobarbital at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. The Sun recently spoke to a former death row executioner who saw a killer's head burst into flames and a pastor who has accompanied with more inmates in their final minutes than anyone else. Smith was convicted of fatally stabbing and shooting his estranged wife Judith Smith, 13-year-old Jason Burnett and 16-year-old Chad Burnett. He murdered them at the home in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 1, 1989. Sentenced to death in July 1990, Smith spent almost 35 years on death row, and was its oldest inmate in the US. A county court judge denied a request to reopen the case in 2022 , despite some new evidence that another person's DNA had been on one of the murder weapons. The judge ruled that the evidence of Smith's guilt was overwhelming and that the new information did not change that. I'm a death row executioner - a killer's head burst into flames when I put him in electric chair Two of Smith's colleagues told the original trial that he asked them to kill Judith. He also had a history of violence and threats against the family. Further clinching the conviction was the fact that Smith took out insurance policies on all three of his victims. The court also heard that one of the teen victims could be heard screaming "Frank, no!" in the background of a 911 call at the time of the murders. Frank is Smith's middle name, and the one he used regularly. After Smith had been confirmed dead, Judith's two siblings said they still miss the three victims, all these years later. 7 7 Her sister, Terri Osborne, said the deaths are a reminder of the dangers of domestic violence. She said: 'We know it is an incredibly hard thing to do to leave a spouse who is abusing, but pray that this case becomes a call to action, encouraging those in danger to seek help before it's too late." Smith's execution was the first in Tennessee since 2020, and he chose the lethal injection - a cocktail of three drugs. He could alternatively have chosen to be killed in the electric chair. There has been significant controversy around the method in recent years - with Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the Supreme Court describing it as "the chemical equivalent of being burned at the stake". 7 7 In March, a double murderer called Brad Sigmon became the first person in the US to be executed by firing squad in 15 years. He reportedly kept breathing after being shot three times in the chest. Three special bullets were shot at his heart by three volunteer riflemen at the South Carolina Department of Corrections in Columbia. Sigmon, 67, was convicted of beating to death with a baseball bat his ex-girlfriend's parents, David and Gladys Larke, at their Taylors home in 2001. List of executions so far in 2025 January 31: Marion Bowman (South Carolina) February 5: Steven Nelson (Texas) February 6: Demetrius Frazier (Alabama) February 13: James Ford (Florida) February 13: Richard Tabler (Texas) March 7: Brad Sigmon (South Carolina) March 18: Jessie Hoffman (Louisiana) March 19: Aaron Gunches (Arizona) March 20: Wendell Grissom (Oklahoma) March 20: Edward James (Florida) April 8: Michael Tanzi (Florida) April 11: Mikal Mahdi (South Carolina) April 23: Moises Sandoval Mendoza (Texas) April 24: James Osgood (Alabama) May 1: Jeffrey Hutchinson (Florida) May 15: Glen Rogers (Florida) May 20: Benjamin Ritchie (Indiana) May 20: Matthew Johnson (Texas) May 22: Oscar Smith (Florida)
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Straits Times
US man who killed wife and her kids executed by lethal injection
Oscar Smith, 75, was convicted of fatally shooting and stabbing his estranged wife, Judy Smith, and her two sons, Chad and Jason Burnett, in 1989. PHOTO: AFP US man who killed wife and her kids executed by lethal injection WASHINGTON - A man sentenced to death for the 1989 murder of his wife and her two sons was executed in Tennessee on May 22, according to the state's Department of Correction. Oscar Smith, 75, was the third death row inmate to be executed in the United States this week, all of which were carried out by lethal injection. Smith was pronounced dead at 10.47am local time (11.47pm in Singapore) at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, Tennessee. He was convicted of fatally shooting and stabbing his estranged wife, Judy Smith, and her two sons, Chad and Jason Burnett, in 1989. Mr Mike Robirds and Ms Terri Osborne, Judy's siblings, said in a statement that the pain of losing their sister and nephews 'is something we will continue to carry.' 'Through our heartbreak, we are reminded of the devastating consequences of domestic violence,' the statement said. 'This tragedy is not only a personal loss – it is part of a much larger issue that affects countless families across our society.' There have been 19 executions in the US this year: 15 by lethal injection, two by firing squad and two using nitrogen gas. The death penalty has been abolished in 23 of the 50 US states, while three others – California, Oregon and Pennsylvania – have moratoriums in place. President Donald Trump is a proponent of capital punishment and called on his first day in office for an expansion of its use 'for the vilest crimes.' AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- CBS News
Tennessee man executed for killing wife and her 2 sons, says "justice system doesn't work" before lethal injection
Tennessee inmate Oscar Smith was executed by lethal injection on Thursday morning for the 1989 murders of his estranged wife Judith Smith and her teenage sons, Jason and Chad Burnett. Smith, 75, was pronounced dead after a lethal injection of the barbiturate pentobarbital. The 75-year-old had maintained his innocence, and in a lengthy series of final words, in part said, "Somebody needs to tell the governor the justice system doesn't work." Witnesses also heard Smith say, "I didn't kill her." Oscar Smith was executed in Tennessee for fatally stabbing and shooting his estranged wife and her sons decades ago. Tennessee Department of Correction / AP He was convicted of fatally stabbing and shooting Judith Smith, 13-year-old Jason Burnett and 16-year-old Chad Burnett at their Nashville, Tennessee, home on Oct. 1, 1989. He was sentenced to death by a Davidson County jury in July 1990 for the murders. In 2022, a Davidson County Criminal Court judge denied requests to reopen his case despite some new evidence that the DNA of an unknown person was on one of the murder weapons. The judge wrote that the evidence of Smith's guilt was overwhelming and the DNA evidence did not tip the scales in his favor. Two of Smith's co-workers testified at trial that he had solicited them to kill Judith Smith, and he had a history of threats and violence against her and the boys. Smith had also taken out insurance policies on all three victims. And one of the child victims could be heard yelling what prosecutors said was, "Frank, no!" in the background of a 911 call on the night of the murder. Frank is Smith's middle name and the one that he used regularly. Terri Osborne and her brother Mike Robirds miss the sound of their sister's voice on the other end of the phone, she told reporters after the execution. They'll never get to plan Chad's driving lessons or hear the "pure joy of hearing Jason's laughter" again, she said. The tragic deaths are a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence, Osborne said. "We know it is an incredibly hard thing to do to leave a spouse who is abusing, but pray that this case becomes a call to action, encouraging those in danger to seek help before it's too late," Osborne said. Darlene Kimbrough, who knows Smith through her visits to another inmate on death row over the past decade, said she sent him a card recently. It just said, "'I hope you know that you are loved,'" Kimbrough said. Unexpectedly, she received a letter in reply on Tuesday, thanking her. She thinks that Smith was at peace with the idea of death, she said. Tennessee executions had been on hold for five years, first because of COVID-19 and then because of missteps by the Tennessee Department of Corrections. There are 46 people currently on the state's death row, according to the not-for-profit Death Penalty Information Center, which researches and collects data on the death penalty. Smith came within minutes of execution in 2022 before he was saved by a surprise reprieve from Republican Gov. Bill Lee. It later turned out that the lethal drugs that were going to be used had not been properly tested. A yearlong investigation turned up numerous other problems with Tennessee executions, which found that the state repeatedly failed to follow its own protocols in performing seven executions and preparing for an eighth between 2018 and 2022. The correction department issued new guidelines for executions in December. The new execution manual contains a single page on the lethal injection chemicals with no specific directions for testing the drugs. It also removes the requirement that the drugs come from a licensed pharmacist. Tennessee is not the only state to resume executions after a pause to examine its methods. Indiana resumed executions by lethal injection this week after a 15-year hiatus. Other states have turned to alternative methods. Idaho lawmakers passed legislation that will make firing squads the state's primary method of execution starting next year. South Carolina executed two people by firing squad this year. Alabama turned to nitrogen gas, executing four people using the controversial method since 2024.
Toronto Sun
22-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Tennessee man is executed for killing his wife and her 2 sons, 3 years after last-minute reprieve
Published May 22, 2025 • 2 minute read This undated booking photo provided by the Tennessee Department of Correction shows inmate Oscar Smith. Photo by Tennessee Department of Correction via AP, File / AP NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee inmate Oscar Smith was executed by lethal injection on Thursday morning for the 1989 murders of his estranged wife Judith Smith and her teenage sons, Jason and Chad Burnett. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Smith, 75, was scheduled to receive a lethal injection of the barbiturate pentobarbital at 10:10 a.m. The 75-year-old had maintained his innocence, and in a lengthy series of final words, in part said, 'Somebody needs to tell the governor the justice system doesn't work.' In a recent interview with AP, he primarily wanted to discuss the ways he felt the court system had failed him. He was convicted of fatally stabbing and shooting Judith Smith, 13-year-old Jason Burnett and 16-year-old Chad Burnett at their Nashville, Tennessee, home on Oct. 1, 1989. He was sentenced to death by a Davidson County jury in July 1990 for the murders. In 2022, a Davidson County Criminal Court judge denied requests to reopen his case despite some new evidence that the DNA of an unknown person was on one of the murder weapons. The judge wrote that the evidence of Smith's guilt was overwhelming and the DNA evidence did not tip the scales in his favour. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Two of Smith's co-workers testified at trial that he had solicited them to kill Judith Smith, and he had a history of threats and violence against her and the boys. Smith had also taken out insurance policies on all three victims. And one of the child victims could be heard yelling what prosecutors said was, 'Frank, no!' in the background of a 911 call on the night of the murder. Frank is Smith's middle name and the one that he used regularly. Darlene Kimbrough, who knows Smith through her visits to another inmate on death row over the past decade, said she sent him a card recently. It just said, ''I hope you know that you are loved,'' Kimbrough said. Unexpectedly, she received a letter in reply on Tuesday, thanking her. She thinks that Smith was at peace with the idea of death, she said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Tennessee executions have been on hold for five years, first because of COVID-19 and then because of missteps by the Tennessee Department of Correction. Smith came within minutes of execution in 2022 before he was saved by a surprise reprieve from Republican Gov. Bill Lee. It later turned out the lethal drugs that were going to be used had not been properly tested. A yearlong investigation turned up numerous other problems with Tennessee executions. The correction department issued new guidelines for executions in December. The new execution manual contains a single page on the lethal injection chemicals with no specific directions for testing the drugs. It also removes the requirement that the drugs come from a licensed pharmacist. Smith's attorney, Amy Harwell, has said, 'It's as if, having been caught breaking their own rules, TDOC decided, 'Let's just not have rules.'' The new protocols are the subject of a lawsuit filed by Smith and other death row inmates. A trial in that case is set for next January. Basketball Canada Columnists Sunshine Girls World
CTV News
22-05-2025
- CTV News
Tennessee man is executed for killing his wife and her 2 sons, 3 years after last-minute reprieve
Capital punishment protesters pray on the grounds of the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution before the scheduled execution of inmate Oscar Smith, April 21, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee inmate Oscar Smith was executed by lethal injection on Thursday morning for the 1989 murders of his estranged wife Judith Smith and her teenage sons, Jason and Chad Burnett. Smith, 75, was scheduled to receive a lethal injection of the barbiturate pentobarbital at 10:10 a.m. The 75-year-old had maintained his innocence, and in a lengthy series of final words, in part said, 'Somebody needs to tell the governor the justice system doesn't work.' Witnesses also heard Smith say, 'I didn't kill her.' In a recent interview with AP, he primarily wanted to discuss the ways he felt the court system had failed him. He was convicted of fatally stabbing and shooting Judith Smith, 13-year-old Jason Burnett and 16-year-old Chad Burnett at their Nashville, Tennessee, home on Oct. 1, 1989. He was sentenced to death by a Davidson County jury in July 1990 for the murders. In 2022, a Davidson County Criminal Court judge denied requests to reopen his case despite some new evidence that the DNA of an unknown person was on one of the murder weapons. The judge wrote that the evidence of Smith's guilt was overwhelming and the DNA evidence did not tip the scales in his favor. Two of Smith's co-workers testified at trial that he had solicited them to kill Judith Smith, and he had a history of threats and violence against her and the boys. Smith had also taken out insurance policies on all three victims. And one of the child victims could be heard yelling what prosecutors said was, 'Frank, no!' in the background of a 911 call on the night of the murder. Frank is Smith's middle name and the one that he used regularly. Darlene Kimbrough, who knows Smith through her visits to another inmate on death row over the past decade, said she sent him a card recently. It just said, '`I hope you know that you are loved,'' Kimbrough said. Unexpectedly, she received a letter in reply on Tuesday, thanking her. She thinks that Smith was at peace with the idea of death, she said. Tennessee executions have been on hold for five years, first because of COVID-19 and then because of missteps by the Tennessee Department of Correction. Smith came within minutes of execution in 2022 before he was saved by a surprise reprieve from Republican Gov. Bill Lee. It later turned out the lethal drugs that were going to be used had not been properly tested. A yearlong investigation turned up numerous other problems with Tennessee executions. The correction department issued new guidelines for executions in December. The new execution manual contains a single page on the lethal injection chemicals with no specific directions for testing the drugs. It also removes the requirement that the drugs come from a licensed pharmacist. Smith's attorney, Amy Harwell, has said, 'It's as if, having been caught breaking their own rules, TDOC decided, `Let's just not have rules.'' The new protocols are the subject of a lawsuit filed by Smith and other death row inmates. A trial in that case is set for next January. Travis Loller, The Associated Press
