Pamela Smart, who has spent more than three decades behind bars for orchestrating the murder of her husband, is making a renewed push for freedom by seeking a new trial.
Background
The case dates back to 1990 when Gregg Smart, a 24-year-old insurance executive, was shot to death in the couple's Derry, New Hampshire, home. Pamela Smart, then 23, was accused of recruiting 14-year-old William "Billy" Flynn to carry out the killing after an alleged affair with the teenager surfaced. Flynn was convicted as the actual shooter and served his sentence before being released. The case became a national sensation, fueling debates about media influence, teenage seduction schemes, and the fairness of convicting someone for murder without pulling the trigger themselves.
Smart was convicted in 1991 of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and accomplice to robbery. She received a mandatory life sentence without parole. Throughout her incarceration, she has maintained her innocence, claiming she never asked Flynn to harm her husband and that her trial attorney provided inadequate representation.
The Legal Fight
Smart's legal team has filed multiple appeals over the years, with most being rejected by New Hampshire courts. Her latest motion reportedly cites claims of ineffective assistance of counsel and newly discovered evidence. The defense has argued that original trial counsel failed to adequately investigate key aspects of the case and present certain witnesses who could have cast doubt on the prosecution's timeline.
The New Hampshire Attorney General's office is expected to respond to the motion. Prosecutors have previously defended the conviction, pointing to extensive evidence including testimony about Smart's alleged romantic relationship with Flynn and recordings of phone conversations between them that investigators said showed her involvement in planning the killing.
Key Takeaways
- Pamela Smart has been incarcerated since 1991 for orchestrating the murder of her husband Gregg Smart in Derry, New Hampshire
- She was convicted based largely on testimony from William "Billy" Flynn, who pulled the trigger and was sentenced as a juvenile before being released
- Her current motion claims ineffective assistance of counsel and relies on evidence not presented at trial
- The case became infamous for its sex, lies, and videotape narrative that captivated American audiences during the early 1990s
What's Next
A judge will review Smart's motion and determine whether to hold a hearing or dismiss the filing outright. If the court grants a hearing, both sides would present arguments before any decision on a new trial is made. Smart's supporters have continued advocacy efforts for decades, arguing that prosecutors overstated her role while minimizing Flynn's culpability as the actual killer. The New Hampshire Supreme Court has previously upheld her conviction, making an uphill legal battle ahead.