Bio

Herbert L. Smulls was born on November 28, 1957. He grew up in St. Louis County, Missouri. As a young man, Herbert encountered various issues with the law. He had multiple run-ins with law enforcement and was convicted of crimes related to robbery and theft. These experiences would set the stage for a life that would eventually lead him to more serious offenses. Before his more notorious crimes, Smulls had already been in prison for robbery. 

Murder Story

On July 27, 1991, Herbert L. Smulls and his accomplice, Norman Brown, entered the jewelry store owned by Stephen and Florence Honickman in St. Louis County, Missouri. Initially, they entered the store as customers. After browsing some diamonds, they left without making any purchases. Later that same evening, they returned to the store.

While pretending to discuss diamond prices in a hallway, Smulls pulled out a pistol and aimed it at Florence Honickman. She quickly ran and hid behind a door. Smulls then fired three shots, striking Florence, and continued to shoot at her husband, Stephen, who was also in the store. He shot Stephen multiple times.

During the robbery, Smulls and Brown took several items, including jewelry that Florence was wearing. After they fled the scene, Florence was able to contact the police. Stephen was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries later that night. Florence survived but suffered permanent injuries from the attack.

Shortly after the robbery, police pulled over Smulls and Brown for speeding and noticed that they matched the descriptions of the suspects. When officers approached, Smulls attempted to flee but was captured soon afterward. The police discovered stolen jewelry in their vehicle, and a gun later found on the roadside matched the bullets used in the shooting.

Smulls faced trial where he was convicted of first-degree murder, first-degree assault, robbery, and armed criminal action. Given his criminal history, he received the death penalty. He was executed by lethal injection on January 29, 2014.