A Sip of 7 Deadly Zins & The Sinister Crimes of Lemuel Smith
True crime and a bold red wine—there’s no better pairing for an unsettling yet fascinating deep dive into the mind of a serial killer. In this episode, we uncork a bottle of 7 Deadly Zins and unravel the gruesome crimes of Lemuel Smith, a man whose horrific acts have left a lasting mark on New York’s criminal history.
Who Was Lemuel Smith?
Born in Amsterdam, New York, in July 1941, Lemuel Smith’s early years were marked by what he later described as mental abuse at the hands of his father, a pastor. But his troubled childhood was just the beginning of a violent and chaotic life. Unlike the methodical, calculated killers that true crime fans are familiar with, Lemuel fits the profile of a disorganized serial killer—a type defined by impulsive, erratic, and often frenzied crimes.
A disorganized killer typically:
• Leaves chaotic crime scenes with obvious evidence
• Targets victims at random, often in moments of opportunity
• Uses improvised weapons, sometimes acquired at the scene
• Shows signs of mental instability, paranoia, or delusions
• Lacks strong social skills or stable relationships
• Struggles with employment and may have below-average intelligence
Lemuel’s First Kill at Just 16 Years Old
Lemuel’s first known murder dates back to January 21, 1958, when Dorothy Waterstreet was robbed and beaten to death near his neighborhood in Amsterdam, NY. At just 16, Smith was suspected of the crime but never convicted. Instead, his criminal trajectory took him far beyond New York, with convictions in Baltimore and a violent spree that spanned multiple states.
Return to the Capital Region – More Bloodshed
After serving ten years in prison, Lemuel returned to New York, bringing his reign of terror back to the Capital Region. His violent acts escalated with the murders of a religious store owner and his secretary, followed by another chilling crime at Colonie Center.
One of the most infamous moments in his criminal career was the Bleeker Stadium lineup, where he was identified as a suspect, a pivotal moment in securing his eventual conviction. His crimes drew high-profile attorneys, and though he ultimately received a death sentence, New York’s evolving legal landscape meant he would serve life in prison instead.
A Murder Behind Bars – The First of Its Kind
Even in prison, Lemuel Smith proved to be a continued danger. He made history in the worst possible way—by murdering a female corrections officer, the first case of its kind in the U.S. His attack shocked the nation and further cemented his place as one of New York’s most violent criminals.
At 82, He’s Still Making Headlines
Now 82 years old, Lemuel Smith has once again surfaced in the news. After spending 23 out of every 24 hours in solitary confinement for the past 40 years, he filed a lawsuit against New York State, challenging the conditions of his imprisonment. A settlement has been reached, but whether this marks the final chapter in his story remains to be seen.
Uncorking the Discussion
Lemuel Smith’s crimes are some of the most disturbing we’ve covered, and we caution listeners before diving into this episode. But as we sip on the bold, layered flavors of 7 Deadly Zins, we can’t help but reflect on the deeper psychological elements at play. What drove this man to such relentless violence? Was it nature, nurture, or a chilling mix of both?
Join us for this unsettling journey into the mind of a killer, and let’s discuss—over a glass of something dark and complex, just like this case.
Pour yourself a glass and press play—you won’t want to miss this one.
Links:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/capital-region-serial-killer-wants-isolation-18677139.php
https://michaeldavidwinery.com/
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/settlement-reached-civil-case-capital-region-18684919.php
https://cbs6albany.com/news/cbs-6-rewind/1970s-revisiting-lemuel-smiths-notorious-murders-that-shocked-the-capital-region-serial-killer-downtown-albany-religious-store-owner-secretary-prison-guard-public-campaign-jailhouse-interview-appeal-death-penalty#
