Classification: Serial killer
Characteristics: Rape - Robbery - Mutilation
Number of victims: 6
Date of murders: 1958 / 1976 - 1977 / 1981
Date of arrest: August 19, 1977
Date of birth: July 23, 1941
Method of murder: Beating / Shooting / Strangulation
Location: Albany, New York, USA
Status: Sentenced to three life terms in prison in 1977. Sentenced to death on June 10, 1983. Conmmuted to life in prison in 1984
Joan Richburg, 24, was raped, murdered and mutilated in her car at Colonie Center mall in Colonie. The pattern of brutality and more hair evidence made Smith the prime suspect in that murder as well, but he remained free pending investigation.