Perry Edward Smith
Perry Edward Smith | |
|---|---|
Kansas State Penitentiary, March 1960 | |
| Born | October 27, 1928 Huntington, Nevada, U.S. |
| Died | April 14, 1965 (aged 36) |
| Cause of death | Execution by hanging |
| Occupation(s) | Criminal, seaman, soldier |
| Criminal status | Executed |
| Motive | Robbery Eliminating witnesses |
| Conviction | First degree murder (4 counts) |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
| Details | |
| Date | November 15, 1959 |
| Country | United States |
| Location | Holcomb, Kansas |
| Target | Clutter family |
| Killed | 4 |
| Weapons | Shotgun Knife |
Date apprehended | December 30, 1959 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1948–1952 |
| Rank | Private |
| Battles / wars | Korean War |
Perry Edward Smith (October 27, 1928 – April 14, 1965) was one of two career criminals convicted of murdering the four members of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, on November 15, 1959, a crime that was made famous by Truman Capote in his 1966 non-fiction novel In Cold Blood. Along with Richard Hickock, Smith took part in the burglary and quadruple murder at the Clutter family farmhouse.