Francis Clifford Smith, a US prisoner who survived eight scheduled execution dates and spent more than 70 years behind bars, has died at the age of 101.
Smith was convicted of first-degree murder in Connecticut in 1950 after being accused of killing Grover Hart, a night watchman at a yacht club, the previous year. He maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment.
Doubts surrounding his conviction grew over the decades. Some witnesses later recanted their evidence, while another prisoner confessed to the murder. An officer involved in Smith’s interrogation also told the state’s Board of Pardons that he was not convinced Smith had been present during the killing.
Smith was scheduled for execution eight times and reportedly received a last meal on each occasion before his sentence was ultimately spared.
He escaped prison in 1967 but was recaptured 12 days later and was granted parole in 1975. However, he returned to prison after violating the conditions of his release.
In 2020, Smith was granted supervised parole and moved to a care facility for elderly people.
He died in his sleep in June and was later cremated.
His case has renewed attention on ageing prisoners and the health challenges associated with prolonged incarceration.
