Two More Executions

Moises Sandoval Mendoza

Sandoval raped and murdered a young mother twenty years ago. He sounds like a screwed up person:

Clinical psychologist Mark Vigen described Mendoza during his trial as "immature" and "psychologically underdeveloped," claiming that Mendoza enjoyed getting away with "being sneaky" and got angry when others criticized him, as stated in court documents.

People who don't like the death penalty might support it for someone who does "evil things" like this. The first link explains how the murder became a cause célèbre. It is sadly far from unique. 

Not sure the value of executing him after over twenty years (Breyer says more). A final appeal unsuccessfully alleged a finding of future dangerousness was obtained illegitimately, including regarding false testimony.  SCOTUS turned it down with its usual no comment order.  

The future dangerousness issue has been a controversy in Texas since the 1980s.  The whole thing is based on questionable evidence and unless in clear cases (there are a few, including escape from prison) is a dubious ground for execution. I say that without commenting on the specific case. 

Texas executed Moises Sandoval Mendoza on April 23. His last words included apologies to the victim. 

James Osgood

Osgood was convicted of the 2010 killing of Tracy Lynn Brown in Chilton County. Prosecutors said Osgood cut her throat after he and his girlfriend sexually assaulted her.

Another rape/murder, this time the conviction was around ten years ago. The sentence was tossed for procedural reasons. Osgood eventually "volunteered," wanting to die. He spoke of eye for an eye principles. The girlfriend received life in prison.

As is often the case, he's screwed up:

Osgood had a difficult childhood that included sexual abuse, abandonment and a suicide attempt. His brain development was potentially hindered because of malnutrition he suffered as an infant.

He confessed. It was a horrible crime. He should have, like his girlfriend, received a long prison term. Executing him adds nothing overall to the public welfare. Few, of course, will cry for him as he reportedly cried as the execution took place. 

Arizona executed James Osgood on April 24th.