The Return of Edgar Smith

New York, Dec. 12—Last Monday, at Hackensack, New Jersey, at 6:45 p.m., Edgar Smith was released from prison as the American title-holder: longest sojourn in a death cell in the history of the United States. In order to effect his release, he played out the role assigned to him most dutifully. “Did you, on the night of March 4, 1957, pick up Victoria Zielinski?” “Yes, sir.” “Did you drive to the sand pit?” “Yes, sir.” “Did you kill Victoria Zielinski?” “Yes, sir.” “Did you kill her by yourself?” “Yes, sir.” “Was there anyone else present?” “No, sir.” That was Smith’s part of the deal.

The presiding judge, Morris Pashman, then performed his part of the bargain. Well, he told the crowded courtroom, now finally we have Smith’s own admission that he killed the girl. . . . The case against Smith is “devastating.” . . . Everyone now believes him to be guilty. . . . However, he has served more than fourteen years in prison and his rehabilitation is impressive. . . . He has written two books, learned a great deal about the law, submitted to a psychiatric examination. . . . Under the circumstances, … I sentence him to 25 to thirty years in prison, and I suspend the balance of the sentence, and place Edgar Smith on probation.

About the Author

William F. Buckley Jr.

William F. Buckley Jr. founded National Review magazine in 1955.

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New York, Dec. 12—Last Monday, at Hackensack, New Jersey, at 6:45 p.m., Edgar Smith was released from prison as the American title-holder: longest sojourn in a death cell in the history of the United States. In order to effect his release, he played out the role assigned to him most dutifully. “Did you, on the night of March 4, 1957, pick up Victoria Zielinski?” “Yes, sir.” “Did you drive to the sand pit?” “Yes, sir.” “Did you kill Victoria Zielinski?” “Yes, sir.” “Did you kill her by yourself?” “Yes, sir.” “Was there anyone else present?” “No, sir.” That was Smith’s part of the deal.

The presiding judge, Morris Pashman, then performed his part of the bargain. Well, he told the crowded courtroom, now finally we have Smith’s own admission that he killed the girl. . . . The case against Smith is “devastating.” . . . Everyone now believes him to be guilty. . . . However, he has served more than fourteen years in prison and his rehabilitation is impressive. . . . He has written two books, learned a great deal about the law, submitted to a psychiatric examination. . . . Under the circumstances, … I sentence him to 25 to thirty years in prison, and I suspend the balance of the sentence, and place Edgar Smith on probation.