Oscar Smith Executed for 1989 Murders Amid Calls for Justice Reform
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Oscar Smith, a 75-year-old Tennessee inmate, was executed by lethal injection on Thursday for the 1989 murders of his estranged wife, Judith Smith, and her two teenage sons, Jason and Chad Burnett. Pronounced dead at 10:47 a.m., Smith upheld his innocence until the end, criticizing the justice system in his final statement and calling on Governor Bill Lee to reconsider his case.
Smith was convicted of fatally stabbing and shooting the three victims at their Nashville home. Evidence including witness testimonies and insurance policies taken out by Smith on the victims contributed to his sentence. Despite new DNA evidence hinting at the possible involvement of an unknown perpetrator, his appeals for a retrial were denied in 2022, with the judge deeming the evidence insufficient to overturn his conviction.
Judith Smith’s siblings witnessed the execution and expressed enduring pain over their loss. Terri Osborne lamented, “The pain of losing Judy, Chad, and Jason is something we will continue to carry.” She urged that the case should inspire victims of domestic violence to seek help.
Outside the prison, protesters gathered, opposing the death penalty. Christina Isbell from Christ Church Cathedral argued that capital punishment is not the solution, while William Burgess, a supporter of Smith’s execution, stated he had witnessed the aftermath of the crime.
Smith’s attorney, Amy Harwell, mentioned his legacy of kindness and leatherwork, yet criticized the potential for suffering caused by lethal injections. This execution was part of a broader pattern, with 19 executions across the U.S. so far this year.
As Tennessee grapples with execution controversies, this case highlights the complexities surrounding capital punishment and calls for systemic reform.
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