Perry Smith - Blog Posts

Perry Smith and Truman Capote shared a profound and intimate connection, leading to speculation that Capote harbored romantic feelings for Smith during their years of prison visits while working on “In Cold Blood,” a seminal work of non-fiction detailing the Clutter murders, for which Smith was one of the perpetrators. Smith, expressing a desire for Capote’s presence, requested him as a witness to his impending execution. 

In a poignant telegram sent on the eve of his execution, Smith implored Capote, stating, “Am anticipating and awaiting your visit. Please acknowledge by return wire when you expect to be here.” However, Capote failed to appear, citing the overwhelming emotional toll that witnessing the execution would exact upon him. The publication of “In Cold Blood” propelled Capote to unprecedented fame, yet he never completed another book thereafter.