The U.S.'s longest‑serving prisoner died at 101.

In the United States, Francis Clifford Smith, who was imprisoned at age 25 for a murder committed in 1949, died at 101 years old, 76 years later. Smith, whose execution was postponed eight times, maintained his innocence until the end of his life despite the conviction.

Considered the longest‑serving inmate in U.S. history, Francis Clifford Smith died at a secure care facility in Connecticut. Officials said Smith, who was only a few months away from his 102nd birthday, died in his sleep at the end of June.

It was reported that Smith, who was at the 60 West care center serving elderly people under judicial supervision, was found dead before a funeral could be arranged. Center spokesperson David Skoczulek said the death was due to old age and that a dignified process in accordance with Smith’s final wishes was carried out.

Sentenced to Death at Age 25

Smith was found guilty of killing 68‑year‑old night‑watchman Grover Hart by striking him during a robbery attempt that took place on July 23, 1949, at a yacht club in Connecticut.

The second person arrested in connection with the incident, George Lowden, initially blamed Smith in his statement after reaching an agreement with prosecutors. However, Lowden later claimed he gave that statement under police coercion and refused to testify against Smith in court.

Smith, despite that, was convicted of murder and, at age 25, sentenced to death.

Execution History Set Eight Times

The date for Smith's execution was set eight different times over the years. However, all of the executions were postponed due to various legal challenges and questions about evidence.

The recantation of a key witness in the trial, the rejection of Lowden's initial accusation that Smith committed the crime, and the claim that another inmate on death row in Alabama had committed the murder, all heightened debate over the conviction decision.

After Smith's arrest, Detective Lieutenant Leo Carroll, who was questioned, also testified before the Af Board before the sixth execution attempt that he was not even certain whether Smith had been present at the crime scene.

No new trial right was granted.

Despite the emergence of suspects and despite a years‑long legal battle, Smith's retrial was not permitted. The judge, who examined the claim that another person had taken responsibility for the crime, found that testimony unreliable and upheld the validity of the conviction against Smith.

Smith's death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 1954. According to his friends, Smith maintained his innocence until his death. In a 2023 interview he said, "I am here without any evidence."

Served 76 Years in Prison

Except for brief periods of liberty, Smith spent roughly 76 years in prison. One such period was a 12‑day stint in a detention facility after he escaped from prison in 1967.

In 1975, Smith was conditionally released and enjoyed about ten months of freedom. He was later arrested on theft and weapons charges, violating the terms of his conditional release, and was sent back to prison. However, he was not convicted of those charges.

In 2020, Smith was placed under supervised freedom at the 60 West care center. Although it was suggested that he was a dementia patient in his final stages, the Connecticut Department of Corrections did not confirm this; it merely stated that he was experiencing health problems related to advanced age.