Who Is Perry Edward Smith? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Perry Edward Smith was born on October 27, 1928. He became a controversial figure in American criminal history, known primarily for his role in the Clutter family murders in Kansas in 1959. Smith's early life was marked by hardship, shaped by instability and a lack of familial support. By 2025, he remains a subject of interest due to his notable criminal case and the subsequent media portrayals, including Truman Capote's renowned book, In Cold Blood.
| Occupation | Murderers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 27, 1928 |
| Age | 36 Years |
| Birth Place | Huntington, Nevada, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 14 April, 1965 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Perry Edward Smith's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Perry Edward Smith was reported to be approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and had a weight that fluctuated around 160 pounds (72 kg) during his lifetime. His physique, marked by a rugged appearance, was often highlighted in discussions about his life and actions.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Given that Perry Edward Smith was executed in 1965, there are no contemporary details regarding familial ties or any romantic relationships as of 2025. During his life, he had a tumultuous relationship with his family, marked by estrangement and difficulty. His relationships, especially with his accomplice Richard "Dick" Hickock, were complex and often drove significant narratives in the discourse surrounding his crimes.
His parents, Florence Julia Buckskin and John Smith, were rodeo performers. Sources conflict on whether Smith was of mixed Dutch and Shoshone ancestry (from his father's and mother's side, respectively) or Irish–Cherokee. The family moved to Juneau, Alaska, in 1929, where the elder Smith distilled bootleg whisky for a living.
Smith's father abused his wife and four children, and in 1935 his wife left him, taking the children with her to San Francisco, California.
Net Worth and Salary
Perry Edward Smith had no accruable wealth or earnings post-incarceration. His notorious actions led to his execution, effectively halting any potential career or income avenues. Discussions surrounding his net worth focus more on the impact of his criminal activities rather than any financial successes, highlighting the stark realities of his infamy more than any economic contributions.
Career, Business and Investments
Smith did not have a traditional career or business ventures. Instead, his "career" was largely linked to his heinous criminal actions. The Clutter family murders not only marked a shocking crime in American history but also became a focal point for discussions on capital punishment, criminal psychology, and media representation of crime.
In popular culture, Smith's life has been portrayed and analyzed extensively, resulting in various adaptations and scholarly discussions, which serve as a form of posthumous 'business' in terms of books, documentaries, and films.
Perry Edward Smith (October 27, 1928 – April 14, 1965) was one of two career criminals convicted of murdering the four members of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, on November 15, 1959, a crime that was made famous by Truman Capote in his 1966 non-fiction novel In Cold Blood. Along with Richard Hickock, Smith took part in the burglary and quadruple murder at the Clutter family farmhouse.
Social Network
Although Perry Edward Smith was not known to have a social network in the modern sense—especially given the era he lived in—his legacy sparked discussions on various platforms, including social media and academic forums. Conversations about his life and crimes can be found across blogs, true crime forums, and social media groups dedicated to discussing historic criminal cases.
Education
Perry Edward Smith had an unsettling educational journey, characterized by a troubled youth that prevented him from receiving a consistent formal education. His formative years were marked by instability and difficulties at home, contributing to the choices he made later in life. Education discussions surrounding Smith often highlight the societal failures that may have contributed to his criminal path.
While Smith had only a grade-school education, he maintained a strong interest in art, literature and music. His past regarding his family and abusive childhood led him to be somewhat distant from people. He read extensively, and during his time on death row, wrote poems and painted pictures for other inmates from photos of their family members.
