Two Executions

Mark Geralds [12/9, Florida]

A Florida man who stabbed a stay-at-home mom (in 1989) to death and later orchestrated a daring jailbreak has become the 18th man executed in the state this year, a record.

Another brutal murder in which (see below) the execution was problematically delayed for thirty-five years. The article cites Trump's support for an uptick in executions. If you take out Florida, the uptick is marginal. Trump had little to do with it so far. 

A statement released by the family was glad justice was done. There are many people in a "family," and some families of victims oppose the death penalty.  

The jailbreak took place in 1990 when he was awaiting trial. He was soon recaptured. The article does not flag later problems in prison. 

He had various appeals, some that reached SCOTUS, but no final one before he was executed this week. 

Harold Nichols (12/11, Tennessee)

Harold Wayne Nichols, 64, [was] executed by lethal injection on Thursday, Dec. 11, for the 1988 rape and murder of 20-year-old Karen Pulley, who was bludgeoned, raped, and left for dead.

On Jan. 3, 1989, he raped three separate women − including two single mothers whose children he threatened − and tried to rape a fourth woman, all within four hours of each other, court records say.

The over thirty-five delay in execution is constitutionally and otherwise problematic (Breyer). 

The final appeal focused on problems with lethal injection, including an apparent recent botched Tennessee execution. A serious issue that continues to be a concern, but not one the SCOTUS majority has shown much concern about. Ever. 

(The Supreme Court rejected the final appeal on the morning of the execution without comment.) 

The failed petition for clemency noted that two former prosecutors involved in the case and multiple jurors thought the death penalty was no longer appropriate. There is repeatedly a change in belief in that respect, including when other things are factored in. Such is the value of an opening for commutations. 

Nichols admitted his guilt and the need for him to be detained. Correction officers cited his good faith as a prisoner. Execution as forty years approaches appears gratuitous if not counterproductive (to encourage good behavior). 

There are two more executions scheduled this month.

==

I discuss Human Rights Day (12/10) here.