Where is John Smith now? 'Dateline NBC' killer responsible for double murder of both wives
NEW JERSEY, CALIFORNIA: John Smith is currently serving his sentence in an Ohio prison after being convicted of killing his first wife, Janice Hartman in 1974. He was initially moved from Mercer County jail in early 2021.
John's connection to the disappearance of his second wife, Fran Gladden-Smith, is a significant part of his criminal history. Fran vanished without a trace, and while there was suspicion surrounding John, there wasn't enough evidence at the time to press charges against him for her disappearance. However, over time, details emerged that linked John to Fran's case, contributing to the broader narrative of his involvement in violent crimes against his spouses.
While there weren't many direct pieces of evidence against John Smith for Fran's killing, he did admit to disposing of her body. John confessed that he dumped Fran's body shortly after her disappearance. He revealed that two days after Fran's death, he wrapped her body in a dark blanket and discarded it in an industrial dumpster at the Carborundum facility in Keasbey, Woodbridge Township, where he worked at the time.
This admission provided a crucial piece of information in understanding Fran's fate, even though her body was never recovered. As John is currently imprisoned for the murder of his first wife, his case has garnered significant attention, with 'Dateline NBC' delving into the details in its upcoming episode on April 26 at 8 pm ET titled, 'Chameleon'. Andrea Canning has been one of the reporters covering the case, providing in-depth reports on the proceedings and developments surrounding John Smith's conviction for the murder of his first wife.
Who is John Smith?
John Smith is a convicted murderer known for his involvement in the deaths of his two wives. He was born around 1950 in the United States. Smith's personal life was marked by tumultuous relationships and a history of violence.
John gained notoriety for the mysterious disappearances of his two wives. The first wife's remains were later discovered in a plywood box, revealing she had been murdered by John. The second wife vanished without a trace, leaving her fate unknown. Despite suspicions surrounding both cases, John managed to escape legal consequences for many years.
After the incidents with his first two wives, John married for a third time. He had a daughter with his third wife, and they lived together seemingly unaware of his troubled past. However, the truth eventually caught up with Smith when he was arrested and convicted for the murder of his first wife.
When did John Smith marry his first wife Janice Hartman?
John Smith married his first wife, Janice Hartman in 1970, when they were both teenagers. Their marriage was troubled, and they eventually divorced in 1974 after Janice allegedly suffered an attempted rape. Just three days after their divorce was finalized, Janice disappeared under suspicious circumstances. John provided conflicting stories about her whereabouts, initially claiming she had left for Florida. However, her family never heard from her again.
Years later, in 1980, road workers discovered a handmade plywood box containing the mutilated remains of a woman. It was later determined that the body belonged to Janice Hartman. John's brother testified that John had built the box to conceal Janice's body after her murder.
When did John Smith meet his second wife Fran Gladden-Smith?
John Smith met his second wife, Fran Gladden-Smith, in the late 1980s. Their relationship progressed quickly, and they were married in March 1990. Fran was described as a loving and caring individual who trusted John despite his troubled past. However, their marriage took a dark turn when Fran mysteriously disappeared just a year and a half after they tied the knot.
Despite the disappearance, there was not enough evidence at the time to link John to Fran's vanishing. However, suspicions arose among Fran's family members, who spent years searching for answers. Despite the lack of closure, Fran's family remained determined to uncover the truth about her disappearance.
John Smith’s third wife confirms he is a liar
Diane, John Smith's third wife, played a pivotal role in the trials, sharing her perspective and doubts about him. She recounted how their relationship initially seemed idyllic, with John lavishing her with gifts and affection. However, as time passed, Diane began noticing discrepancies and untruths in John's behavior, causing her trust in him to wane.
According to Diane, "After our marriage, John began telling me these little fibs." She explained how these falsehoods gradually escalated, leaving her increasingly wary of his intentions. Diane vividly recalled moments when John's temper flared, particularly when faced with challenges or disagreements. She felt compelled to take precautions, like changing locks and avoiding being alone with him, out of concern for her safety.
Despite John's attempts to portray himself as a model citizen, Diane saw through his facade. "John always tries to play the model citizen, the perfect gentleman," she said. "But everything that comes out of John's mouth is a lie." When approached by the FBI about the disappearances of John's previous wives, Diane took their advice to investigate further, uncovering unsettling connections to his past.
Throughout the trials, Diane remained resolute in her disbelief of John's innocence. She expressed her conviction that John should be held accountable for his actions, stating, "I hope to God he doesn't get out. He should be locked up for the rest of his life."
John Smith’s brother Michael Smith proves him as murderer
Michael Smith played a crucial role in proving his brother, John Smith, as a murderer through his testimony and actions. He provided vital information to law enforcement that helped uncover the truth about John's crimes.
Michael's involvement began when he discovered a disturbing plywood box in their family garage, which John claimed was for storing belongings. However, upon opening the box, Michael was horrified to find the mutilated remains of John's first wife, Janice Hartman. Despite his shock, Michael initially hesitated to involve authorities due to family pressure.
Years later, Michael bravely came forward to reveal what he had found, leading to the discovery of Janice Hartman's body. His testimony provided crucial evidence linking John to the murder. Additionally, Michael's cooperation with law enforcement demonstrated his commitment to seeking justice, even against his own brother.
Michael's actions played a significant role in unraveling John's deceit and ensuring that he faced accountability for his heinous crimes. His courage in confronting the truth helped bring closure to the families of John's victims and exposed the extent of John's wrongdoing.
Federal court imposes life sentence on John Smith
John Smith received a life sentence from a federal court in July 2001, indicating that he will spend the rest of his life in prison. The decision to impose a life sentence means that John will not be eligible for parole, and he will remain incarcerated until the end of his days.
Smith was sentenced to life imprisonment for his crimes, which included charges such as aggravated murder. Due to the severity of these charges and the nature of the crimes committed, Smith was not granted the possibility of parole. This means that he will spend the rest of his life incarcerated, serving out his sentence without the chance of release.
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