Pamela Smart's Lover Apologizes to Victim's Family

William Flynn, who made notorious headlines 18 years ago by murdering the husband of his then-lover, Pamela Smart, at the tender age of sixteen, apologized today to the family of the man he murdered, in conjunction with a plea for early release from his 28-years-to-life sentence. He isn't eligible for parole for another ten years.

Unsurprisingly, the state and Gregory Smart's family fervently objected to Flynn's plea. Gregory's brother, Dean, chastised Flynn for what he viewed as essentially an empty apology.

In 1990, William Flynn began an illicit affair with the teacher of a self-esteem class in his high-school, Pamela Smart. Flynn became enamored with Smart and killed her husband, he reports, only when Ms. Smart made it clear that the only way their relationship could continue was if her husband was out of the way.

Along with a friend, Flynn accosted Mr. Smart in his home and fired a .38-calibre revolver, killing him instantly. Flynn pleaded guilty and was fully cooperative in the sensational trial against Ms. Smart.

Judge Kenneth McHugh did not indicate whether or not he would rule on Flynn's request.