In a chilling culmination of justice, Samuel Lee Smithers, a former Baptist deacon dubbed the “Deacon of Death,” was executed by lethal injection on October 14, 2025. At 72 years old, he became Florida’s oldest inmate executed since the death penalty’s reinstatement in 1976, closing a dark chapter in the state’s criminal history.
Smithers was convicted of the brutal murders of two women in 1996, Denise Roach and Christy Cowan. Once a respected figure in his community, he led a double life, preying on vulnerable women while maintaining his façade as a church leader. His heinous crimes shocked the Plant City community, revealing the depths of his depravity.
On execution day, Smithers awoke in his death watch cell, having spent nearly three decades on death row. His final meal, a hearty Southern spread, was a stark contrast to the violence he inflicted. Outside Florida State Prison, a mix of protesters and supporters gathered, their emotions reflecting the complexity of Smithers’ case.
As the sun set, the atmosphere grew tense. Protesters held signs and prayed, while a lone supporter stood firm in his belief that justice was being served. At 6 PM, Smithers was led into the execution chamber, appearing frail and resigned. He declined to make a final statement, responding simply, “No, sir,” when asked if he had any last words.
Witnesses observed as the lethal injection was administered. Smithers showed no visible distress, and within minutes, he was pronounced dead. His execution marked Florida’s 14th of the year, a grim record that underscored the state’s position as a leading executor in the nation.
For the families of Roach and Cowan, the execution offered no real closure. Christy Cowan’s father, who had opposed the death penalty, chose to honor his daughter’s memory away from the spectacle. The pain of loss lingered, a haunting reminder of the lives cut short by Smithers’ violence.
As the prison gates closed behind Smithers, the community was left grappling with the legacy of his crimes. The case raised unsettling questions about faith, redemption, and the true meaning of justice. In the end, Smithers’ life ended not as a respected deacon but as a man whose actions defied the very principles he once preached.
The echoes of his story will resonate for years, a stark reminder that evil can wear a familiar face. The tragic fates of Denise Roach and Christy Cowan serve as a somber testament to the lives lost, leaving a community forever changed by the Deacon of Death.