Mother To Murderer: "I Wish For You A Cruel And Violent Death In Prison..."
DALLAS (CBS 11 NEWS) – Karen Smith knew her husband would kill her. The 40-year-old mother of five complained to police, filed a protective order against him through the courts, and told her family she feared for her life.
In January, Ferdinand Smith, carried out his threat to end her life, gunning Karen down in a parking garage at UT Southwestern Hospital as she was leaving work.
Today, Karen's family members faced Ferdinand in court to tell them how her murder has impacted them. Ferdinand confessed to the murder and plead guilty as jury selection for his trial was set to begin. As part of his guilty plea, Ferdinand asked to be sentenced to 50 years in prison.
Before he begins serving that sentence – which Karen's family agreed to -- her loved ones were given an opportunity to talk directly to him in a very emotional and informal hearing.
"When you murdered their mother, you lost your rights as a father. All you are for now and forever more, is a murderer," said Sara Horton, Karen's mother. "I wish for you a cruel and violent death in prison and that you burn in hell for eternity and I spit on the day I met you."
The couple has three children together, plus he has two from a previous relationship.
Ferdinand must serve at least half of his 50-year sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.
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