Florida Prepares for Execution of Triple Murderer Samuel Smithers

Tallahassee, FL – The state of Florida is set to carry out the execution of Samuel Smithers, convicted nearly four decades ago for the brutal murders of his former girlfriend and her parents. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant for Smithers, bringing an end to years of legal appeals and setting the stage for capital punishment to be administered.

Smithers, now 63, was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder for the horrific events that unfolded on October 8, 1986.

Prosecutors detailed how Smithers broke into the Fort Myers home of Diana Lynn King, his former girlfriend, and her parents, Clifford and Emilie King. The ensuing violence left all three dead, a crime that shocked the community and left an indelible mark on their loved ones.

Court records and trial testimony painted a grim picture of Smithers' actions.

Driven by a vengeful rage, he confronted Diana, ultimately shooting her and her mother. Clifford King, Diana's father, was stabbed and beaten to death during the attack. The sheer brutality of the crime and the calculated nature of Smithers' actions were key factors in the jury's decision to recommend the death penalty, a recommendation the judge ultimately upheld.

Over the decades, Smithers' legal team pursued numerous appeals, citing various grounds including ineffective assistance of counsel, issues with jury selection, and the constitutionality of his death sentence.

However, both state and federal courts consistently upheld his convictions and sentence, finding no merit in the arguments presented that would warrant overturning the original verdict or commuting his sentence.

The Florida Department of Corrections confirmed that Smithers will be executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison in Starke.

The exact date, while not publicly confirmed by official channels at the time of this report, is expected to be imminent following the Governor's warrant. This impending execution underscores Florida's unwavering stance on capital punishment for the most heinous crimes, sending a clear message about justice for victims and their families.

Victims' rights advocates and the families of Diana, Clifford, and Emilie King have long awaited this moment, seeking finality and justice after enduring decades of legal battles.

While the execution will not bring back their loved ones, it represents the state's ultimate affirmation of Smithers' culpability and the irreversible consequences of his actions. The execution of Samuel Smithers serves as a somber reminder of the enduring pain caused by violent crime and the justice system's ultimate response.