Death row killer’s chilling final words as he’s given lethal injection | World | News
Oscar Smith, who murdered ex-wife Judith Smith, and her sons, Jason and Chad Burnett in 1989, was pronounced dead at 10:47am this morning, at the age of 75 after receiving a lethal dose of pentobarbital.
Despite damning evidence such as life insurance policies, suspected murder-for-hire schemes and a blood-curdling 911 call hearing a victim scream “Frank, no!” – which is Smith’s middle name – he consistently maintained his innocence up to his last moments.
While speaking with his spiritual adviser, onlookers reported Smith firmly stating: “I didn’t kill her.”
He delivered an exhaustive final statement lambasting the justice system, declaring it utterly ineffective. Referencing Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, he proclaimed: “He has the last word and is the last person who can give justice where justice is needed.”
He noted that others are awaiting their fate in prison, stating, “I’m not the first, and I’m not going to be the last.”
Secured to a gurney with an IV in his arm connected to a tube leading to another room, Smith’s execution began without any clear indication after his final words. Throughout, he remained composed and showed no signs of struggle as his breathing stopped.
His case stood out in Tennessee’s history, being the first time a spiritual adviser was allowed inside the chamber. She was present offering support, comforting prayers, and even singing the hymn “I’ll Fly Away” to uplift Smith’s spirit during his final moments.
Smith was found guilty of the brutal murder of Judith Smith, 13 year old Jason Burnett and 16 year old Chad Burnett in their Nashville, Tennessee home on Oct. 1, 1989. In July 1990, a Davidson County jury handed down a death sentence for the killings.
Over the years, he’s had multiple execution dates that were rescheduled because of COVID-19 and moratoriums to review the state’s lethal injection process.
Terri, Judy’s sister, said: “The pain of losing Judy, Chad, and Jason is something that we will continue to carry. It’s not a moment that goes by that we don’t miss them. I miss the sound of Judy’s voice – I know my brother does as well – on the other end of the phone. We miss the excitement of planning Chad’s driving lessons, and we miss the pure joy of hearing Jason’s laughter. These are memories and wounds that will never fully heal.”
Despite new evidence in 2022 hinting at DNA from an unidentified person on one of the murder weapons, a Davidson County Criminal Court judge denied the bids to reopen Smith’s case.
The judge rebuffed the appeal, stating that the evidence of Smith’s culpability was overwhelming and that the latest DNA discoveries did not tip the scales in his favour.
At the trial, two of Smith’s colleagues testified that he had tried to hire them to murder Judith Smith, and there was evidence of his previous threats and violence towards her and the boys. Smith had also taken out insurance policies on all three victims.
Moreover, during a 911 call made on the night of the murders, one of the young victims can be heard shouting what prosecutors claimed was, “Frank, no!” Frank is Smith’s middle name, which he commonly used.
