The Death of Christopher Smith

When Christopher Smith entered Oklahoma state custody, his family expected him to come home, but on March 31, he was found dead in his cell.

Shortly after, Smith’s family reached out to Caroline, desperate for answers about what happened that day — and about a corrections sergeant whose actions may have led Smith’s convicted killers to their victim.

In this three-part investigation, Caroline uncovered new details surrounding Smith’s death, including the corrections sergeant’s criminal history and prior disciplinary concerns. Through interviews with Smith’s family, current and former prison employees, public records and court documents, the investigation pieced together a timeline of events surrounding Smith’s death and raised questions about whether more could have been done to protect him.

The investigation also brought responses from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and a state representative, while interviews with people connected to the prison raised new questions about staff oversight and accountability.