Bio

Joel Dale Wright was born on August 28, 1957. He grew up in Florida. There is not much detailed information available about his early life and childhood. However, it is known that he had some trouble with the law early on.

As a young man, Wright faced various charges, including theft and burglary. These issues with authority might have influenced his later actions. Although specific details about his family background or childhood experiences are scarce, it is evident that he had a troubled youth.

Wright's later life led to significant legal problems. In the years leading to his crimes, he lived in Putnam County, Florida. There, his life took a dark turn that ended with serious consequences. His early life set the stage for the violent path he ultimately chose.

Murder Story

On February 6, 1983, 75-year-old Lima Smith was found dead in her bedroom in Putnam County, Florida. Her brother became concerned when she did not answer the door. Lima had been stabbed multiple times in her face and neck, and there was evidence of sexual assault.

Later, Joel Dale Wright confessed to the murder. He went to a friend's house and admitted that he had killed Smith. Wright told this friend that he entered Lima's home through an open window to steal money. He claimed he killed her because she saw him and could identify him. He did not want to go back to prison and asked his friend to provide him with an alibi.

Police found Wright's fingerprint in Smith's house. It was also revealed that he had previously burglarized her home, using the same method of entry through an open window.

Wright was charged with first-degree murder, sexual battery, burglary of a dwelling, and second-degree grand theft. He was found guilty of all counts on September 1, 1983. The jury recommended the death penalty, which was officially sentenced on September 23, 1983.

Wright appealed his conviction to the Florida Supreme Court, claiming the trial court made errors, including not allowing witness testimony that could have helped his defense. Despite these arguments, the court affirmed his conviction and death sentence in July 1985.

Wright continued to submit appeals over the years to various courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, but all efforts were denied.