Bio

Leonard Edward Smith was born on December 30, 1960. He grew up in Tennessee, though specific details about his early childhood and family life are scarce. 

As a young adult, Leonard faced legal troubles. He had previous convictions before the more serious crimes he committed later. His criminal record includes at least two robbery convictions in 1980 and 1985, indicating early signs of a troubled life and run-ins with the law.

In 1984, at the age of 23, Smith found himself involved in serious criminal activities, which ultimately led to his arrest. This period in his life was marked by significant events that would heavily influence his fate. Leonard's life and actions set the stage for the violent crimes he committed in May 1984, which would lead to his long-term imprisonment.

Murder Story

On May 21, 1984, Leonard Edward Smith, along with accomplices David Hartsock and Angela O'Quinn, committed two armed robberies in Tennessee. They targeted Malone's Store first. During this robbery, Hartsock shot and killed John “Shorty” Pierce.

Following the robbery at Malone’s, the group drove to Webb’s Grocery. Both Smith and Hartsock entered the store. Smith was armed with a .32 caliber pistol. During the course of the robbery, Smith shot and killed Novella Webb, who was trying to protect her husband.

After committing the murders, the trio fled the scene. They attempted to destroy evidence by burning the car used during the robberies. Smith and his accomplices then concealed themselves in a remote area.

Two days later, on May 23, 1984, police arrested Smith, Hartsock, and O'Quinn while they were hiding in a house. At the time of his arrest, Smith had a live round in his pocket. The weapon used in the murders was later discovered under a bridge, along with other evidence linking them to the crimes.

Smith was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the killings of John Pierce and Novella Webb. Throughout the legal proceedings, Smith maintained that he did not consider himself a murderer, despite admitting involvement in the events that led to the deaths. Ultimately, he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the murder of John Pierce, and to death for the murder of Novella Webb.