Michael Dewayne Smith

Overview

Michael Dewayne Smith (June 24, 1982 – April 4, 2024), infamously dubbed the "Hoover Killer," was an American serial killer whose violent spree in Oklahoma City left two victims dead and led to his ultimate execution in 2024. A member of the Oak Grove Posse gang, Smith was already on the run for a previous homicide when he committed the brutal double murder on February 22, 2002. His victims included Janet Moore, a 41-year-old mother, and Sarath Pulluru, a 22-year-old student and store clerk from India. Smith's journey through the criminal justice system was marked by years on death row, multiple trials, and a controversial execution, all while he maintained his innocence.

Quick Facts

• Born: June 24, 1982, Oklahoma, U.S.

• Died: April 4, 2024 (aged 41)

• Execution Method: Lethal injection

• Other Names: The Hoover Killer

• Gang Affiliation: Oak Grove Posse

• Convictions:

  • First-degree murder (x2)
  • Second-degree murder
  • Firearm robbery
  • Arson
  • Burglary

• Criminal Penalty:

  • Death (x2; first-degree murder, October 14, 2003)
  • Life imprisonment (second-degree murder, March 4, 2004)
  • 85 years' imprisonment and a $45,000 fine (robbery, burglary, arson)

• Victims:

  • Otis Payne Jr., 26
  • Janet Miller Moore, 41
  • Sarath Pulluru, 22

• Date of Crimes: November 24, 2001 – February 22, 2002

• Location: Oklahoma City

• Imprisoned at: Oklahoma State Penitentiary

Early Life

Michael Dewayne Smith was born into a tumultuous environment in Oklahoma. His childhood was marred by the rampant crime of his neighborhood and a family life fraught with dysfunction. According to court sources, his father struggled with alcoholism and was abusive toward his mother, leading to their separation when Smith was just two years old. Growing up in this environment, Smith was introduced to drugs and gang culture at an alarmingly young age, heavily influenced by his brothers. Tragically, he also endured sexual abuse as a child, which further complicated his already troubled youth.

By the year 2000, Smith had officially joined the Oak Grove Posse, a local street gang notorious for its violent activities in Oklahoma City. By 2002, he was already a fugitive, wanted for multiple felonies, including shooting with intent to kill, assault, and driving under the influence.

Murder of Otis Payne Jr. (2001)

The first documented homicide linked to Smith occurred on November 24, 2001, outside a nightclub in northeast Oklahoma City. On that fateful night, Smith, along with his accomplice David Walter Burns, engaged in a violent confrontation inside a sport utility vehicle with two men: Meldon Moore and Otis Payne Jr. The conflict escalated, resulting in gunfire that tragically claimed Payne's life. Aiming for Moore, Smith's shot instead struck Payne, who was pronounced dead at the scene, while Moore survived with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Following this incident, Smith and Burns fled, and both were placed on the police's wanted list.

Murders of Sarath Pulluru and Janet Moore (2002)

While evading capture for the murder of Otis Payne Jr., Smith's violent path continued. On February 22, 2002, he committed two more murders within hours, beginning with Janet Moore.

Janet Moore

Early that morning, around 6:30 a.m., Smith arrived at the apartment of Janet Miller Moore, looking for her son, whom he suspected of being a police informant. Although her son was not home, Moore was preparing for her day at work. In a shocking act of violence, Smith kicked down the front door, startling Moore. In a confrontation that escalated rapidly, he shot her dead in her own home and meticulously attempted to erase any evidence by cleaning the scene.

Sarath Pulluru

Just hours later, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Smith targeted Sarath "Babu" Pulluru, a convenience store clerk. Motivated by a mistaken belief that Pulluru had made derogatory remarks about a deceased gang member, Smith entered the store, brandishing a weapon and holding Pulluru at gunpoint. In a horrific display of violence, Smith emptied two guns into Pulluru, who, despite pleading for his life, was shot multiple times. To destroy evidence, Smith then poured lighter fluid over Pulluru's body and the store before igniting a fire.

It's crucial to note that Pulluru was not the employee referenced in the article Smith read, making his murder a tragic case of mistaken identity. The timing of these murders was particularly chilling, occurring just days before the trial of Smith's fellow gang members for a robbery gone wrong that resulted in the death of another gang associate.

Murder Trials and Sentencing

Arrest and Indictment

Just two days after the murders of Moore and Pulluru, on February 24, 2002, Smith was apprehended by police for the slaying of Otis Payne. Initially, there was no indication of his involvement in the double homicide until further investigations linked him to Moore and Pulluru. During police questioning, Smith denied his participation before eventually confessing to all three murders.

In March 2002, Smith faced charges for first-degree murder in the deaths of Moore and Pulluru, in addition to other offenses, including burglary, firearm robbery, and arson.

Trial for Murders of Pulluru and Moore

Smith’s trial for the murders of Moore and Pulluru began in June 2003 but was quickly declared a mistrial due to procedural errors. A second trial commenced on August 28, 2003. The gravity of the charges—two counts of first-degree murder—meant Smith faced the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including testimony from Sheena Johnson, a friend of Smith's, who revealed his confessions about the murders. Autopsy reports indicated that Moore was shot once in the chest, while Pulluru sustained at least nine gunshot wounds. Smith attempted to argue that his confessions were coerced due to his drug use, but a videotaped confession played in court revealed a chilling admission of his actions.

On September 11, 2003, the jury found Smith guilty on all counts, including robbery and arson. Subsequently, on September 20, the jury recommended the death penalty for the two murder counts, and on October 14, Judge Twyla Mason Gray officially sentenced Smith to death, stating that the brutal nature of the crimes warranted such a punishment.

Trial for Payne's Murder

After being sentenced to death, Smith faced another trial in March 2004 for the murder of Otis Payne Jr. During this five-day trial, he was convicted of second-degree murder and received a life sentence, which was set to run consecutively with his death sentences for the other two murders.

Death Row and Execution

Appeals and Death Warrants

Following his sentencing in 2003, Smith spent 21 long years on death row, with his appeals repeatedly dismissed, including claims of ineffective counsel and protests of innocence. He contended that his confession was involuntary, but the courts upheld the admissibility of the evidence.

By March 2017, Smith had exhausted all avenues for appeal. He found himself among a group of death row inmates in Oklahoma who faced impending execution dates. After a lengthy legal battle surrounding Oklahoma's execution protocols, Smith's execution was scheduled for July 6, 2023, but was postponed and then set for April 4, 2024.

Clemency Hearing and Execution

In a final attempt to escape execution, a clemency hearing was held on March 6, 2024. Smith expressed remorse for the victims but continued to assert his innocence. His lawyer argued for mercy, citing claims of intellectual disability, which prosecutors vehemently opposed. Ultimately, the clemency board voted against granting mercy.

On the morning of April 4, 2024, mere hours before his execution, Smith made one last appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which was swiftly denied. At 10:20 a.m., Michael Dewayne Smith was executed by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. Notably, he declined a last meal and when given the chance for a final statement, simply replied, "Nah, I'm good."

Aftermath

Following Smith’s execution, the families of his victims expressed a sense of closure. Moore's family publicly stated that justice had been served, while Pulluru’s brother reflected on the profound loss felt by their family. Although the victims’ families found solace in the execution, opponents of capital punishment voiced concerns regarding Smith's mental state, labeling him a "troubled and vulnerable young man."

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond remarked that Smith's execution was a necessary step for justice, emphasizing the tragic circumstances surrounding Moore and Pulluru's deaths as a result of Smith's violent actions. Smith’s execution marked a significant moment in Oklahoma’s history, being the first execution of 2024 and the twelfth since the state resumed executions in 2021 after a moratorium due to botched procedures.

Sources

• Oklahoma executes Michael Dewayne Smith for 2002 killings
• Michael DeWayne Smith, Petitioner-Appellant, v. Kevin Duckworth, Interim Warden, Oklahoma State Penitentiary
• "Man may face charges in slayings." The Oklahoman, March 3, 2002.
• "2 ordered to trial in man's slaying." The Oklahoman, August 17, 2002.
• "Two sought in shooting." The Oklahoman, November 26, 2001.
• "Oklahoma executes Michael DeWayne Smith for two murders in 2002." The Frontier, April 4, 2024.
• "Michael Smith on death row executed for savage double murder he denied as he was 'high on drugs'." The Mirror, April 4, 2024.
• "Oklahoma set to carry out first execution of 2024." The Frontier, March 29, 2024.
• "Oklahoma Begins 2024 Executions With Death Of Michael Dewayne Smith." HuffPost, April 4, 2024.
• "Testimony ends in double-murder trial." The Oklahoman, September 11, 2003.
• "Man convicted in 2000 killing Jury recommends gang member be sentenced to prison for life." The Oklahoman, April 12, 2003.
• "Del City man arrested in November slaying." The Oklahoman, February 25, 2002.
• "Del City man charged in slayings, other crimes." The Oklahoman, March 13, 2002.
• "Man faces trial in slaying, other charges." The Oklahoman, November 23, 2002.
• "Double murder trial opens." The Oklahoman, June 6, 2003.
• "Jury misconduct prompts judge to declare mistrial." The Oklahoman, June 7, 2003.
• "Double-murder trial starts." The Oklahoman, August 28, 2003.
• "Witness says friend admitted two slayings." The Oklahoman, September 6, 2003.
• "Witnesses say man killed two people." The Oklahoman, August 10, 2002.
• "Videotape of defendant shown at slaying trial." The Oklahoman, September 10, 2003.
• "Jurors find man guilty in 2 slayings." The Oklahoman, September 12, 2003.
• "Killer receives death penalty." The Oklahoman, September 20, 2003.
• "Sentencing set Oct. 14 in slayings." The Oklahoman, September 23, 2003.
• "Killer handed 2 death sentences, prison term." The Oklahoman, October 15, 2003.
• "OKLAHOMA COUNTY Man facing death twice goes on trial." The Oklahoman, March 10, 2004.
• "Facing death twice, felon gets life." The Oklahoman, March 13, 2004.
• "Sentencing set in slaying outside club Jury suggests 25-year term for second-degree murder." The Oklahoman, March 5, 2004.
• "Oklahoma Death Row: 26 inmates eligible for execution dates." The Oklahoman, February 14, 2020.
• "28 Oklahoma death row inmates could be executed over next two years after judge's ruling." The Oklahoman, June 6, 2022.
• "The next Oklahoma death row inmates scheduled for execution." The Oklahoman, August 25, 2022.
• "Richard Glossip, six other Oklahoma death row inmates get new execution dates." The Oklahoman, January 24, 2023.
• "Oklahoma panel denies clemency for death row inmate, paves way for lethal injection." Associated Press, March 6, 2024.
• "Oklahoma set to execute death row inmate Michael DeWayne Smith as he maintains his innocence for 2002 murders." The Independent, April 4, 2024.
• "Death row inmate Michael DeWayne Smith to be executed twenty years after double fatal shooting." The Mirror, April 4, 2024.
• "Oklahoma prepares to execute Michael DeWayne Smith for 2002 murders." USA TODAY, April 4, 2024.
• "Oklahoma executes Michael Smith for 2002 murders even as he maintained innocence." The Independent, April 4, 2024.
• "Michael Dewayne Smith executed in Oklahoma decades after double murder." BBC, April 5, 2024.
• "Oklahoma executes Michael Dewayne Smith, convicted of killing 2 people in 2002." CBS News, April 4, 2024.
• "Oklahoma death row execution: Michael Smith executed for double slaying in 2002." The New Zealand Herald, April 4, 2024.
• "22 years on, US executes man who killed Indian student in Oklahoma." Times of India, April 4, 2024.
• "Oklahoma executes Michael Dewayne Smith, the first inmate to be put to death in 2024." Oklahoma Voice, April 4, 2024.
• "Oklahoma executes man convicted of double slaying in 2002." Associated Press, April 4, 2024.