Death of Kathryn Hinnant

Background

Kathryn Hinnant worked at the New York University Medical School as a researcher in cytopathology and had an office on the fourth floor of the pathology wing at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Steven Smith, a homeless man with a documented history of psychiatric problems and cocaine addiction, had twice been admitted to Bellevue in late 1988 after ingesting rat poison but was released both times. He subsequently began squatting inside the hospital, reportedly dressing as a doctor to avoid detection.

The Killing

On January 7, 1989, Hinnant was in her office at Bellevue preparing a lecture. Smith entered her office, beat her, raped her, and strangled her with a cord. Her body was discovered at 6 a.m. the following morning by her husband and a hospital staff member. Hinnant was five months pregnant at the time of her death.

Investigation and Trial

The killing drew significant public attention. Mayor Edward Koch reportedly called the case "the number one to be solved," and around 50 detectives were assigned to the investigation. Media coverage at the time referred to the unidentified assailant as the "Beast of Bellevue." Several days after the killing, Smith was located and arrested; he was found in possession of Hinnant's credit cards.

Smith was tried on a charge of first-degree murder and presented an insanity defense. The jury rejected the defense and found him guilty, and he was sentenced to life in prison. Smith reportedly stated he would have preferred to receive the death penalty.

Legacy and Civil Litigation

The case was cited as one of several security breaches at Bellevue Hospital over the decades. Hinnant's family subsequently sued Bellevue for wrongful death, alleging that the hospital's inadequate security contributed to her death. The family declined a proposed settlement, but the lawsuit was ultimately decided against them.