Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Tennessee Executes Oscar Smith, Claims Innocence in Final Words

5/24/2025

36 4

Summary

Story summary

Tennessee carried out the execution of 75-year-old Oscar Smith on May 22, 2025, for the brutal 1989 murders of his estranged wife and her two teenage sons. In a poignant final statement, Smith proclaimed his innocence and condemned the justice system. This marked Tennessee's first execution since 2020, after prolonged delays over lethal injection procedures.

1 of 1

Story summary

Tennessee carried out the execution of 75-year-old Oscar Smith on May 22, 2025, for the brutal 1989 murders of his estranged wife and her two teenage sons. In a poignant final statement, Smith proclaimed his innocence and condemned the justice system. This marked Tennessee's first execution since 2020, after prolonged delays over lethal injection procedures.