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June 18, 2014

Georgia, Missouri Carry Out 1st Executions Since Botched Oklahoma Killing 
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Georgia and Missouri have carried out the first executions since the
botched killing of a death row prisoner in Oklahoma two months ago.
Marcus Wellons, a convicted murderer, was killed Tuesday night in
Georgia by lethal injection. The Supreme Court had turned down a
last-minute stay request from Wellons' attorneys, who had argued secrecy
around the drug's source could lead to undue suffering. Outside the
prison, a small group of protesters staged a rally against capital
punishment.

Bishop Bob Wright, diocese of Atlanta: "This is a sad day in Georgia.
We're maintaining a barbaric practice. And this is not about guilt. We
know that Mr. Wellons is guilty. This is about the dignity of human
life."

Shortly after, Missouri executed John Winfield, also a convicted
murderer. Winfield had initially won a stay following allegations state
officials threatened a prison staffer who was supportive of granting him
clemency. But a U.S. appeals court waived the stay earlier on Tuesday.
Another execution is planned for today in Florida.

 

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