Bio

Bernard Smith was born on October 3, 1953. Like many people, he had some experiences that shaped his future. He grew up in Arizona, where he would later become known for committing serious crimes.

By the time he reached adulthood, Smith had already accumulated a history of crimes, including armed robbery. He had faced the legal system before and had been convicted multiple times.

As an adult, Smith became involved in criminal activities, leading to his eventual arrest. His life took a drastic turn when he committed a violent crime in 1983, which would change everything for him.

Murder Story

On August 22, 1983, Bernard Smith entered the Low Cost Market in Yuma, Arizona, shortly after midnight. He approached cash register No. 5 and asked for Kool cigarettes, paying with a $5 bill. As the cashier, 57-year-old Charles Pray, opened the cash drawer, Smith pulled out a .22 caliber pistol and demanded the money. When Pray turned to call for help, Smith shot him in the head, causing a fatal injury.

After shooting Pray, Smith collected the money from the cash register and left the store. Two women who were outside witnessed the incident. They followed Smith to his car and provided the police with his license plate number. Smith was arrested minutes later.

Smith faced trial starting on January 10, 1984. He was convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery. The jury found that he had previously committed similar crimes. On February 17, 1984, he was sentenced to death.

The Arizona Supreme Court later reviewed his case. They upheld several aggravating circumstances for the death penalty, including Smith's prior convictions for armed robbery and violence. However, two other aggravating factors were reversed on appeal. Throughout his time in prison, Smith did not present any mitigating circumstances that would lessen his sentence.

Smith died in prison on December 11, 2002, due to natural causes.