Where is John David Smith III Now? 2024 Update & Background

John David Smith III was born around 1950 and came into the public eye under grim circumstances tied to criminal activities spanning decades. Details about his early life are sparse, but it is known that he grew up in the United States and entered into adulthood with little to no public record of misconduct until the disappearance of his first wife. This lack of early criminal activity made the later revelations about his actions all the more shocking to those who knew him superficially.

Smith’s life took a significant turn when he married Janice Hartman in 1970. This marriage marked the beginning of a series of disturbing events that would eventually define his legacy. Over the years, Smith proved to be a master at maintaining a facade of normalcy while harboring dark secrets, earning him the nickname “Chameleon” in media reports and crime documentaries due to his ability to blend into society while committing heinous acts.

Marriages and Criminal Activities

John David Smith’s marriages were pivotal chapters in his life, marked by suspicion and tragedy. His first marriage to Janice Hartman in 1970 ended in her mysterious disappearance in 1974, shortly after their divorce. The discovery of her dismembered body years later began to peel back the layers of Smith’s double life. His second marriage to Betty Fran Gladden-Smith in 1990 also ended in mystery when she disappeared in 1991. Her body has never been found, but Smith has been implicated in her disappearance.

The investigation into the disappearances of his wives revealed a pattern of deceptive behavior and possible violence. Smith’s capacity for leading a dual existence came to light during these investigations, showing a man capable of severe manipulation and harm. His criminal activities extended beyond these disappearances, as indicated by later findings that linked him to additional suspicious activities, including the discovery of unidentified human remains and belongings of missing persons.

Investigation, Trial, and Conviction

The case against John David Smith III began to solidify when his first wife’s remains were identified in 2000, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial. In 2001, Smith was convicted of the murder of Janice Hartman and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. The trial exposed the depth of his deceit and the brutality of his actions, shocking the community and the nation.

During the trial, evidence presented by the prosecution painted a grim picture of a man who was willing to go to great lengths to cover up his crimes. The conviction was a crucial moment in the legal proceedings against Smith, providing some measure of justice for his first wife’s family. However, the ongoing mysteries and legal challenges surrounding the disappearance of his second wife, Fran, continued to haunt all involved, highlighting the complexities and limitations of the criminal justice system.

Current Status and Legacy

As of the latest updates, John David Smith III remains incarcerated at the Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio. He continues to serve his sentence, with eligibility for parole set for 2029. The cases involving Smith have become a part of true crime lore, discussed in books, television shows, and documentaries that attempt to unravel the psychology behind his actions and the impact on the families involved.

John David Smith III’s legacy is undoubtedly marked by his crimes and the profound sorrow and destruction they caused. His story serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk behind a facade of normalcy, prompting ongoing discussions about domestic safety, the signs of hidden violence, and the importance of vigilance in intimate relationships.

More Dateline: Chameleon

• “Chameleon”: Dateline Reports on Murderer John Smith April 26 2024
• What Happened to Fran Gladden-Smith?
• What Happened to Janice Hartman?