Clay King Smith was born on July 25, 1970, in Arkansas. Public records about his early life are limited, but by adulthood, Smith struggled with personal issues that culminated in destructive behaviors, substance abuse, and violent tendencies. He lived near Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he shared a home with his girlfriend, Misty Erwin.

Their relationship was troubled and frequently violent. Shortly before the murders, Misty had accused Smith of battering her and asked for police assistance in moving out. When officers arrived, she withdrew her complaint and decided to remain with him.

On March 25, 1998, Clay King Smith carried out one of the most shocking family massacres in Arkansas history. At his home near Pine Bluff, he murdered his girlfriend, 20-year-old Misty Erwin, her cousin Shelley Sorg (24), Shelley’s two young children—Sean (5) and Taylor (3)—and the children’s babysitter, 12-year-old Samantha Rhodes.

The murders were committed with a rifle. Police later determined that the victims had little chance to resist. When officers discovered the scene, the brutality was evident, with all five victims killed within the house.

Smith fled but was tracked down the next day near Star City in Lincoln County. He was hiding in a hunting club property when authorities surrounded him. A tense stand-off ensued as Smith, armed with the same rifle used in the murders, exchanged fire with officers. During the confrontation, he shouted chillingly to police: “I sent three of them to Heaven, and two to Hell.”

Eventually, Smith was shot in the arm, subdued, and arrested. In custody, he admitted responsibility for the killings, claiming he had been under the influence of drugs at the time. His statements did little to lessen the horror of his crimes.

At trial, Smith was found guilty of five counts of capital murder. Unlike many death row inmates, he quickly chose to waive all appeals. In November 1999, a judge ruled that he was competent to make that decision. Smith explained that he did not want to prolong the suffering of the victims’ families or his own loved ones by forcing them through lengthy legal battles. He expressed remorse and said he wished to “do no more harm.”

While on death row at the Cummins Unit, Smith wrote letters to the families of his victims, apologizing and asking for forgiveness. In one letter, he told Misty Erwin’s parents and sisters that he was ready to die, writing: “You don’t need to keep reliving what happened over and over and that’s what appeals would do. Otherwise, I’m going home to be with Jesus. I can hardly wait. I believe I am going to see Misty there.”

On May 8, 2001, Clay King Smith was executed by lethal injection at the Cummins Unit in Arkansas. He was 30 years old.

In his final moments, Smith delivered a short statement to the families of his victims, who were watching via closed-circuit television:

“I’d like to say I’m sorry about what I did to the victims’ families. I hope your hearts heal. I love my family. I love my family.”