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Georgia Department of Correction
The Georgia Supreme Court halted the execution of Warren Lee Hill, who has been twice convicted of murder.
The Georgia Supreme Court halted the execution of Warren Lee Hill, a death-row inmate who had been scheduled to die at 7 p.m. on Monday at the state penitentiary at Jackson.
At issue is whether the Department of Corrections’ decision to switch to a one-drug formula violates state rules, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The state announced the change last week, which Hill’s lawyers challenged.
The high court said in a statement Monday that it would consider the challenge because such a change requires public hearings and a 30-day public comment period.
Hill was the first inmate set to be executed in Georgia since the state changed its execution procedure last week from a three-drug injection to a single dose of the sedative pentobarbital.
Hill was convicted in the Aug. 17, 1990, beating death of another inmate. Hill was serving a life sentence at the time for the shooting death of his 18-year-old girlfriend.
His lawyers argue that Hill is mentally disabled – significant because federal law prohibits states from executing the mentally disabled. But the state said the defense hadn’t conclusively shown that Hill has a mental disability.
On July 18, Yokamon Hearn, 33, became the first prisoner killed with the one-drug formula. Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials announced last week they were modifying the three-drug injection method used since 1982 because the state's supply of one of the drugs — the muscle relaxant pancuronium bromide — has expired.
Hearn's lawyers had argued that his mother drank alcohol when she was pregnant, stunting his neurological development and leaving him with mental impairments that disqualify him from execution under earlier Supreme Court rulings. Testing shows Hearn's IQ is too high for him to be considered mentally impaired.
Ohio, Arizona, Idaho and Washington have already adopted a single-drug procedure.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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I find it very sad that this person gets life for shooting dead his girlfriend, but he gets the death penalty for the beating death of a fellow inmate.
You don't need drugs - you have firing squads, hanging, rat poison,anti-freeze and a shot to the temple (this is too quick,he needs to suffer).
Tie him to a barn door and start shooting him from his feet up, and have every television station cover the show live.
GA is a 2 strike state on the 7 deadly sins. I live in the city next door to where this happened. What he done to that man was pitiful, beat him to death with a 2x6 board. I'm sure the dead inmate's family sued the state. The board was in the cell block propping up a sink. If my memory is correct.
I doubt that Georgia goes easy on girlfriend killers, so my bet is that he simply didn't perform all the required elements for a capital crime in his first murder. And he did in the second.
Many people I know--I'm in California after all--oppose the death penalty, suggesting that life in prison is a suitable alternative which keeps everyone safe. Mr. Hill isn't the first example of this fatuousness, and he won't be the last. Not every killer should be executed, but there must be some people who've done so much bad, either over time or in one instance (like Holmes), so that they should be eradicated from the earth we share with one another.
As far as the method, I really don't see any reason to inflict pain. Our goal shouldn't be to be more like the murderer, it should simply be to remove his presence for good. If a shot in the arm works, fine. A gas chamber that simply replaces the oxygen with nitrogen would be painless and the killer would just fall asleep. But whatever the method I am angry that it takes so long to finally mete out justice. It won't cost less to kill them rather than imprison for life, but we shouldn't add DECADES to the incarceration just because lawyers are allowed to gum up the works (for which I do not blame them, it's their job to gum up the works). Spend more in the state AG's offices in order to move this process along. More than 22 years for this one murderer isn't moving it along.
So go ahead and use all three drugs - Boom! Win-win...
Why is it sad? His girlfriend was a the first, the inmate was the second. Unless you are pro death first offense whatever the situation was. Then I get it.
The chemical co. quit making one of the chemicals.
AlaskaGirl:
Sad indeed!!! The devil is in the details and lawyers know how to slant the truth.
So this guy gets a reprieve until they figure by what means it is legal that he should die? As I said, the devil is in the details.
Obama: "If I had a son, he'd look like Warren Lee Hill"
Well said Rich, I hate hearing about how a death sentence costs more than a life sentence. It only turns out that way because of twenty years of appeals...if you can't explain why the first jury got it wrong in two appeals, you should go straight to the gallows.
It cost more to put someone to death than it does to keep them in jail for life. Now that's F'uped isn't it. Trying to keep my languange to a minimum! Problemis all the innocent people needing dnaeveidence to get off. This piece of @!$%# isnt that, and he is guilty so stop spending the money and have someone shank him for gods sake.
Tigerboy, That is one of the sickest statements I ever heard. You are a hater and a bigot I bet. Go visit your clan.
So Tiger Boy, if Mitt Romney had another Son would he look like that Holmes fella with the Orange Hair in Aurora, Colorado??? Now do you understand how sick your statement was? just as sick as the one I just wrote to make an example of YOUR stupidity & racism.. John in battle Creek called it right!
Agreed. And it shouldn't matter if he might be mentally disabled, what do they propose, letting him go free so he can kill again? Idiots.
I see the way you do. With the fellow inmate he provided tax relief for the citizens of Georgia though. I read the story thinking it was because they "found the right guy." Imagine the disappointment it was for the Georgia not being able to carry out state sanctioned murder.
Great way to say it, Rich!
Personally, I'm in favor of a slightly different reform to the system, one I think most everyone could agree to, except the die-hard anti-death penalty folks. I think we should raise the burden of proof on capital crimes from "beyond a reasonable doubt" to "beyond any doubt" and do away with the insanity plea. Case in point: Jared Laughner or James Holmes. These individuals obviously committed the crimes they are charged with. There is no doubt. Give them due process and perform the execution immediately. A plea will get them life with no parole instead for saving the victims and taxpayers the trial. Treat them all this way.
I'm surprised there isn't a petition to spare his life so he can kill other inmates.
Learn to read the entire story, before taking out your keyboard and banging away. This may help to minimize the number of people that read your comments and think of you as an illiderate fool.
It is insane to coddle murders. The lived like monsters and they should die like the monster that they are. Stop executing them in some clean room out of public view, bring them out into the town square and hang them. Murder is ugly and the execution of murders should be ugly.
Murders should be executed in a timely manner. After a murder convection a murder’s appeals should be handled in a swift manner and then after one year they should be executed.
It's the 21st century and people still lust for blood. we still have murders, we still have executions.
sandtrich
I see the way you do. With the fellow inmate he provided tax relief for the citizens of Georgia though. I read the story thinking it was because they "found the right guy." Imagine the disappointment it was for the Georgia not being able to carry out state sanctioned murder.
Maybe you find it sad, and the other guy agreeing, because you're both unable to ask yourself the right questions. For starters, what do you really know about the murders he committed, was one more violent that the other? Were both murder charges of the same degree?
What I find sad and disturbing, is the fact that this murderer has been on death row for more than 22 yrs., after committing the 2nd. one. Our system is weak, which is the reason America has more incarcerated persons than any other country in the world.
Due process should be a Bullet, Send the bill for the Bullet to his Family.
Even though this man is a sorry excuse for a human being, I cannot condone state sanctioned murder. If he is a danger to other inmates put him in solitary confinement. They have prisons were the inmates are locked up 23/7, with no interaction with other inmates. I think all the maximum security prisons should operate that way. No fights, no riots, no gangs, just rows of caged animals.
Two time murderer and convincted to death over 20 years ago. Why is this scum still alive?
I understand where you're coming from, but frankly that's less humane than just ending them. It's just a slower, more tortuous death.
A bullet or rope is quicker and cheaper.
From Three-Drug to One-Drug? How about One-Drug to One-Bullet?
Amen! And, my condolences at the loss of your soul mate's freedom after he butchered those folks in Colorado. You and he seem to share the same excitement for killing someone.
Proud of you joe-bee! You (and the many who support your position) represent the very best of American 'exceptionalism'.
Tiger and Eddie....not sure what Obama or Romney have to do with this topic. To be honest....neither of them are a good choice for President. Unfortunately, I have to vote for one of them.
How about a 50CC syringe full of air, IV push? It's free and he's taking up a lot of good air.
Well, "US Citizen," it's a good thing we have people who respect and defend the Constitution in this country, so we can keep people like you from distributing vigilante justice.
The Bill of Rights is more than the First and Second Amendments. Read it sometime.
the far right wing supreme court is just using this excuse as a excuse to excute innocent men. they are tying to make it look like liberals dont want death penalty cuz of IQ. wrong. we dont want death penalty at all but it has nothing to do with IQ. it has to do with the fact of the private profit prison system that leads to so many innocent ppl being unhumanly killed. they should of freed troy davis where there was no proof, but if this man was 100% proven killed his girlfreind and a another man then its not much a concern to get him out.
I say eliminate the death penalty completely. All of those calling for capital punishment are also murderers at heart. This barbaric practice needs to stop NOW!
rc...I am for the death penalty but I agree with your point of view to an extent. I don't think out Supreme Court should have an agenda but they do. We should not have judges that are not left wing or right wing, they should be unbiased and more moderate. Since Presidents appoint the justices and we have far right wing (Bush) and far left wing (Obama) Presidents, then you get what we have, Justices that have an agenda. I agree 100% with you abouot the issue of private "for profit" prisons. As citizens, we should be more educated about these facilities. It is bad business that should not exist in this country.
But we are just like the murderer because we achieve the same result. Once you're dead, you're dead and intention, good or bad, right or wrong, is worthless.
And what about those we execute (murder) who have been later found innocent? Oops is not sufficient.
Maybe I could live with the death penalty if jurors were to mistakenly send an innocent person to death, they themselves would be subject to execution for the innocent person's murder.
If you want to get creative with his capital punishment; drop him in the middle of Al Qaeda territory with an American flag, a desecrated picture of Mohammad, and a burnt Koran.
Cost too much you say? It would cost phenomenally less than keeping him alive while trying to figure out if a single formula injection violates state rules. DERP!!!
Soapbox-2851847
i agree. the probelem is corporations dominate what goes on. no judges, polticans, lawmakers judge should be paid to make laws and decisons. its corruption.
Debi-1314897
i agree if judges/jurors and proscutors who put innocent ppl to death should be put to death penalty for murder, then i can agree with death penalty but knowing this country that will never happen. the goverment, polticans are not going to make laws agaisnt thier own and is a reason why they have so much power along with cops. but if we had a law where judges, jurors, cops, proscutors involved were charged, then they would make sure they have the right person and not excute innocent men for lazy work or making money.
END of story.....commit the crime...waaaaa,,, ONE drug, TWO, drug, you sorry DASOB....sorry for your soul, and so it goes, again and again...WHY DOESN'T ANYONE OUT THERE TAKE RESPONSIBILITY???????????????
BLAME IT ON EVERYONE ELSE..LAAAZZZZYYYY, Mothers & Fathers, right?....because that is exactly what you pertray, but then again, you ARE still trying to take away from all of AMERICA.....!!!!!!!!!!..............STOP your "loco", NO LICENSE, NO Sense...........IT'S ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!....... "MY" family built who we are, and who we will be...............I SEE NOTHING from you.....SHUT UP......go back from where you came.........illegal?...don't know?.........tired of the useless depleting our country!
The Greek Spartans used to kill the physically deformed babies at birth and mentally ill kids as soon as it was noticeable, but the grown up men practiced pedophilia.
IF you act like a
"normal" human being.....I assume you are safe! However, IF YOU speak like a pig, or dog, you might wanna rethink your attitude!! OH, AND BY THE WAY....... it is pronounced A S K E D,,,,,,NOT A X E D......UNWIND YOU'RE freaking lips and act..NOT AXED, ......IS SOMEONE CHASING YOU WITH A FREAKING AXE?????????....WHERE ARE YOUR MORALS & EDUCATION? STOP BLAMING SOCIETY FOR EVERYTHING, MAKE A LIFE FOR YOURSELF!!!!! I ABSOLUTELY PRAY FOR ALL OF YOU, VISIT A CHURCH NEAR YOU, CHANGE YOUR LIFE AROUND TO THE LORD, AND LEAVE THE BAAAD BEHIND....IT'S UP TO YOU AND YOU ALONE..GOD BLESS YOU! MERCY IS THE LORD!
if obama had a brother it would look like warren lee hill !
i think 25 yrs on the public dime is long enough and if his lawyer doesn't like it he can always join him !
linda, if it were a family member of yours that was murdered by that guy, I think you would be singing to a different tune. the bible does say an eye for an eye. therefore, it is not wrong to execute a murderer for killing an innocent person.
it's funny though how all these defense lawyers are saying that murderers are mentally ill when in reality they are evil. I'm so tired of people defending these murderers. I have seen people that really are mentally ill but they do not go around killing people, get over it people !
Ryan
He has been through the Courts, Lets call it past due process?
"I find it very sad that ..."
That's just Georgia trying to steal the crown from Texas.
There are some truly SICK comments here....
tasteless sarcasm Tig - but you have to admit that the big 'O's original comment was without merit and inflamatory
Living the life of a thug. You shoot to death your girlfriend then brutally beat to death anothr inmate and suddenly you're mentally impaired. I don't buy all of this after-the-fact mentally impaired stuff to save a person from execution. He wasn't so mentally impaired that it prevented him from getting a girlfriend (unfortunately for her) and getting a gun and killing her or finding a 2X4 to beat to death another man while in jail.
We have butchered the Constition and our current Judicial system is a weak joke .
Linda M,
Seriously? I support the death penalty so that makes me a murderer at heart?! Opinions are like a-holes.....everybody has one.
Murderers torture, rape, strangle, burn to death their victims and you support that? Sounds that way.
Bottom line is this inmate at least did something "good" while behind bars by taking out another scum-bag inmate. One less guy we have to pay a million dollars a year to keep off the streets and from taking out Linda M whether she knows it or not. Pffft.......
"WHOS THERE" obviously not someone with a brain.
People who say death penalty advocates are murderers are naive at the least, and very irresponsible. Naive because they seem to have this idea that prison sentences and the justice circus is free. Newsflash: it's not. It costs more money per year to judge and keep these beasts than most people make per year. Anti-death penalty people then conclude 'it's worth it', not understanding that money comes from somewhere. Guess where> YOU! Not just your taxes, but taxes from where you work. Your employer AND you support these people. Didn't get that raise? Guess what, part of the money went to keep this guy alive and appealing why you think he shouldn't live next to you.
The next assumption is that these kinds of men are 'innocent'. Never mind if you catch them red-handed, like the shooter in the Colorado theater, never mind the other crimes they DIDN'T get caught for, they must be innocent because they have a sweet look in their eyes. These people are predators. They prey on your weakness. Pedophiles, murderers, rapists- that's the 'general population' of the prison system. They're there for a reason.
The next assumption is a life sentence is kind, a death sentence is cruel. Newsflash: they're going to die anyway! And which would you prefer- a long life among murderers, rapists and pedophiles who have NOTHING to loose or a quick and painless death?
The next assumption is that 'prison justice' will take care of what we 'legally' can't. This is cruel, unnecessary and irresponsible. In fact, it gives MORE power to criminals in jail. 'We hand them to you' doss not absolve people from the guilt a death sentence carries, nor is it what prisons are set up for. Prison was supposed to be about reform, NOT a way to wash our hands of what we don't have the responsibility to do.
The next assumption is 'they paid their dues', like this guy in question. Seriously, how do you pay a family back for killing one of their family members? What's the trade? How's it fair? So you're saying I can rape, beat, cut the foot off of, video tape, decapitate, perhaps profit from and brag about the death of your loved ones as long as I do a 20 year stint in jail? You would make that trade off for any of your loved ones? I'm sorry but I don't buy that there is any trade off for any of these acts. At least I value my loved ones more than a willingness to trade their lives for someone doing 20 years in prison.
The other assumption is that if we put someone to sleep for their crimes it makes us like them. Eh, explain how putting someone to sleep, gently, without harassment is anything like what these murderers would do? I'm not putting someone to sleep who has done nothing, a child, a grandmother, a friend, without any reason at all. But exactly that's what these murderer's do. THEY kill violently, randomly and without remorse. They take what makes this Earth precious. Their lives are NOT precious. They are no gift. They add nothing. They take. They would coldly kill you if there was something in it for them and feel absolutely no remorse. THAT'S why an executioner is NEVER like them. They don't think like normal people. Normal people don't do what prisoners do. If you've never killed someone in cold blood, congratulations, you're nothing like the beasts in prison who would and have. Why pretend we have anything in common with them.
The next assumption is moral high ground. God says be merciful, but at the same time he also said 'an eye for an eye'. If the State exacted God's 'eye for an eye' these murderers would REALLY have something to fear. They probably wouldn't commit the crimes in the first place. They know the State is weak when it comes to retribution. God sends non-believers to burn in fire for ETERNITY. Think he doesn't have a mean streak? Or, how about this, if we put the guy to sleep and the guy is good then he'll enter into heaven and be pretty happy for ever. If he's bad then God will take care of him.
Or perhaps you strictly ascribe to the Jesus method of moral high ground and say 'offer the other cheek'. in that case, perhaps all those who don't believe in capital punishment should be required to house these people and care for these murderers, pedophiles and rapists themselves. Is anyone willing to do that? Oh, that's right, gotta dodge responsibility.
And then lastly, the Constitution, which was never set up to see such crimes or such a perverted justice system. Mind you, the men who wrote it had SLAVES!!!! Jefferson, who penned the Declaration of Independence HAD SLAVES!!!!! Slavery has, since the inception of the Bill of Rights, been abolished. WHAT? The Bill of rights can be changed to suit common sense?!!!!!!!!! How can this be?!?!?!?!?!?!?
So those calls for rights and Constitution and are just hot air based on nothing. We can make laws and change laws. All the Constitution ever was was an idea to be tested. Sometimes it failed (and is still failing), sometimes it worked out. We were supposed to use our common sense to give it a life that would serve us, rather than us serving it dogmatically. I would re-write it a thousand times over if it made no sense and some parts of it don't make any- hence people being allowed to drink alcohol, Presidential terms limited to 4, women being given the right to vote and slavery being made illegal.
The death penalty is a GOOD thing. It gives ciminals something to fear or at least consider when they measure the value of any member of the state's life versus their reckless urges.
If you still don't believe me, consider the Petit family murders, the most recent Colorado theater murders, the D.C. Sniper murders and more recently the Jimmy Massey and Luis Ruiz murder of 19-year-old Carina Saunders (who they pimped, cut off her foot with a saw, videotaped, bragged about and ditched in a duffel bag).
Story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48296989/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/#.UA6iF2FYuJM
Tell me you want to pay to take care of and baby these murderers.
If there is proof positive with no question about the murders what is he appealing and why shouldn't he be executed. He showed no mercy to his victims why should mercy be shown to him. He's a cold blooded killer who would do it again in an instant.
We need a 7 year plan for all prisoners. If it can't be resolved in 7 years on appeals then you are put to sleep. There's no point in keeping someone in a 'rehab' facility (which is what prisons were set up for) more than that length because they either can't be or don't deserve the second chance rehabbing implies.
MovingOut nailed it.
Thanks for your "excellent" insight and have a nice day.
And how much have we paid in taxes to keep this waste of society alive? Just saying, I could care less if they injected bleach into his veins!
ibjonnyc:
Ah, so glad you were able to see the stupidity in "eye for an eye" mentality. Congratulations!
MovingOut:
And what if that were your son, father or brother, who you knew were wrongly convicted? Would you still be so in favor of that "7 year plan"?
The wrongful execution of innocent people is not uncommon. Although it doesn't happen often, would you be O.K. if that "mistake" was carried out against one of your loved ones?
I looked and looked and found exactly zero proven wrongful executions in the US in the last few decades. Of course, several claim that there have been wrongful executions but I haven't seen too many people in prison that aren't "innocent". Every convicted person is innocent according to them.
I suppose that's because it's his second murder. Gotta stop someplace or even the othr inmates aren't safe.
I'm not sure how he killed his girlfriend, but it states he beat an inmate to death.
If they can't find the right formula, then he should be beaten to death, just as he slayed his 2nd victim !!
Shot her to death
I would assume its more about proof ... they couldn't justify the death penalty in the first case because of the legal requirements. Its all about what you can prove, not what you know ...
I find it sad that it has taken this long to settle the matter. 1990! Are you kidding. That is ridiculous! This guy is scum.
@ pixie and Stew: Ditto on both remarks.
The national average time between conviction and execution is 14 years. And, yes, it is ridiculous.
Way too many appeals I say. I don't care if the medical examiner was overworked or untrained and called it a homicide when it was really accidental. I don't care if the forensics staff were sloppy or unskilled and misread or lost key evidence. I don't care if egotistical or over-pressured detectives forced or tricked a gullible sap into a false confession. I don't care if a prosecutor ambitious for higher office withholds evidence or gets some stoolie or other witness to lie in court for special favors, or if an underpaid defense lawyer dozes off. I don't care if the judge's rulings ran counter to the law or if members of the jury were bigots or some other form of stupid. I don't care if the appeals courts refuse to hear the case because it is based on something other than trial errors. No, only liberals care about such trivial matters. The only important thing is that someone was convicted, so, like the other bloodthirsty savages posting here, I say kill him now! Kill him!! What? He was innocent? Who cares, I didn't know him.
I agree. When 2 people are locked up in a cell and one of them is killed by a 2X6, it is not hard to figure out what happened. No chance of putting the wrong guy to death....get on with it.
LOL Soapbox... Yeah. The gaurds could never set a prisoner up or lie or leave a 2 by 6 in a cell with dangerous criminals who most likely did not get along...
I find it patheticthat they are stalling his execution while bickering about whether he should have three drugs or one drug. As long as he croaks, what possible difference could it make? Shoot him full of Drano and charcoal lighter. Give his lawyer a shot too.
Perfect, cannot be said better......
Now thats funny as hell LMFAO!!!!!
Stew, I friggin' agree! The cost to maintain an inmate is about 70g a year - figure that up and you will be sick!!
What we have here is a fine example of people who know the law very, very well, and use it in order to obstruct justice.
@Dr Pat51
I agree he should be executed, but damn......SINISTER MUCH?!?!?!
You should run for President! I'd vote for you!
doesn't take that long in Federal court!!!!!!
What bothers me is that the people against executions Compare people who are for it to the killers!There is a big differance between murdering innocent people and eliminating that murderer!!How can you people have any compassion for vicious killers?!! Why should it bother you so much how a PROVEN WITHOUT DOUBT killer is treated?!! Are you people concerned how that lowlife scumbag HOLMES is being treated?!!If you are, then your just as dangerous as the killers!! If a member of your family was murdered, would you have compassion for the killer?!! If you say yes,then your either lying or you have no love for your family!!Thats one of the problems with this country,people like you and the SCREWED UP COURTS are more concerned with the rights and feelings of the criminals!!
@ model railroad man We're not savages like you. We actually value all human life and some people like me believe that only God decides when a person dies. Pardon people for having justice for everybody, and while you're at it shut the @!$%# up. You are not intelligent so please refrain from your idiotic sentiments.
Katie, you are far more dangerous than holmes or anyone like him. read your own hate post you hypocrite. you savage.
You are most correct Railroad man. Katie ..oh ! a believer in God with a mouth like a sailor ...@!$%#ing HYPOCRITE.
Great we will stop all executions.
All of the people that feel the way you do can get on the roster.
When a convict kills some else, we'll fry one of you on the roster.
How about it, do you walk the walk, or just talk the talk?
Love it!
Katie from Witchendon - I'll bet you belong to a coven. Or maybe you're a Wiccan. Or maybe your medications need some adjustment. Whatever it is, you are as goofy as it gets and you should shut the @!$%# up. Obviously, you have the IQ of a fire hydrant.
if his mentally disability causes him to kill, and he's already done it twice, then why the delay? he can't be cured, so why endanger the prison population?
Confuzed,
I friggin' agree with that too!
I don't understand why mental instability excuses someone from the death penalty. I mean, unless said person is SEVERELY mentally handicapped and cannot even perform normal functions, anyone who can get up, get themselves breakfast, and get themselves dressed, clearly are able to think. I hate the stupid "insanity" plea- if someone is actually insane or mentally handicapped, people would already be aware of that! If anything, a slight mental instability makes someone who has already killed, even more dangerous!
Melmel,
I was thinking the same thing. Now everyone who commits an atrocious crime is mentally impaired. Enough is enough. Time to drop this defense.
Gee... I'm sure my mother had a few drinks, smoked cigarettes. Father too! It was normal in the 40's - 70's.
I turned out ok (66 years later), along with thousands of other babies who haven't killed, robbed, raped, etc.
Just a lame excuse for a killer!
Oprah and other talk shows hosts (i.e., Dr. Phil) convinced me that I am OK too. Nice to have the company, gusotto.
Gusotto
You are so right! Give me a reason why someone killed not excuses!
W had it right when he was Gov of Texas. Who cares if it costs more to execute than it does to incarcerate for life. Mental retardation is no excuse either. And the occassional innocent guy, that's the risk we take. Better to kill 1 innocent person than to let 1,000 rot behind bars till they get killed by another prisoner or die from disease.
If we don't start executing faster, we're never gonna catch up with China, Iran or Saudi Arabia.
Aaaaaah, David, would you feel that way if you were that "occasional innocent guy"? I'm just wondering. Do a little research on just how many "occasional innocent guys" have been found innocent after years, some on death row, due to DNA that proved their innocence. I am on the fence about the death penalty. There are so many cases where I am with the majority and the person convicted should be taken out, but there is always that little niggling in the back of my mind that wonders if some have been wrongly convicted and are sentenced to die.
Well, there's no space race or arms race anymore so maybe we could make the execution race America's #1 priority...USA USA USA!
W should stand for WISDOM. WISDOM, as that institutional investor had between 9/5/2001 and 9/10/2001, as he pur
Alaska, Girl, David was being VERY scarcastic
I doubt that the occasional innocent guy would choose indefinite imprisonment over execution. An argument should be made for high standards of evidence in cases that don't involve the death penalty.
For a preponderance of evidence? Execute him!
@ EMDF: I do believe you are right! Sorry, David, whenever W's name is referenced in a comment I lose all reason to see clearly! LOL My bad!
He has been found guilty Twice of murder in two different cases so chance of innocence in both extremely slim.
Fry him...don't waste another cent on this scumbag!
You and I both know that , never happen. Unfortunitly, the loser libs won't let that happen!!
"The loser libs" is a very strange statement, as most liberals support the death penalty.
Brooklyn - do you have any figures to back your claim?
A bullet to the back of the head, quick and easy, no fighting over which drugs and the cost.
I'll volunteer to do it and even furnish the gun AND the 50 cent bullet to send his a$$ to hell.
plus they wouldn't feel any pain with a big enough slug
They should be able to re-schedule him in 30 to 60 days, after public comments.
Comment early and often!
I feel bad for the dead girlfriend's family. This animal should get what's coming to him.
I myself do not believe in the death penalty. I am pro-life. His IQ may be normal; however, he may still be mentally ill. For your information "Confuzed", the cure to treating mental illness is not execution. There are many people with a mental illness who have never committed a crime and are contributing members of society.
This one "contributed". He killed an innocent. Then while incarcerated , he killed again. Let there be an end to his miserable life.
I love how some people are "pro-life" when it comes to scumbag killing adults, but they are "pro-choice" when it comes to unborn babies. Make up your damn minds, will ya?
same way that some people are pro execution when it comes to adults in a system that has had proven flaws that may have led to wrongful executions, but insist on forcing children to be born that will be abused and neglected to the point that they end up becoming the future killers they condemn.
the proper way to be pro life is to be like the quakers, absolutely no violence at any time.
Patricia you have made the most intelligent comment on this board thus far, and probably for all time. I agree with you 100% and am tired of all the idiots who think they're intelligent posting the same "kill 'em" comments repeatedly. Thank you for being smart and posting something intelligent and not cruel.
While I understand and agree there are a number of people who are mentally challenged who are contributing members of society, in what scenario would this inmate ever be one? Even if he is mentally disabled (which I doubt is nothing more than a ploy by his lawyer) he has proven he is an absolute danger to society by killing not once but twice. The individual did not receive life in prison and subsequently the death penalty for being mentally disabled; he received that because he took two lives. Lethal injection is a far kinder sentence than the one he dispensed upon his girlfriend and a fellow inmate …
They should have killed the bastard after he killed his girlfriend. Screw life in prison! Effin ridiculous
Pathetic!!! Take out the trash already. Their victims had NO CHOICE or public comments on how or why they were killed...
Inject him with ethanol! The government subsidizes that crap...
Plenty around also
kill him him and his attorney too, Quick !
Just hate we still execute fellow human beings. I am not for the death penalty. Maybe, it was a kill or be killed situation.
Maybe you would think differently if it was your sister or brother or any family member or friend. Try common sense, it's good for the brain & society...
I am generally against the death penalty, except for a couple situations; attempting to escape prison while in custody for a violent offense; or murder/attempted murder while in custody.
You do bring up a good point; but without any details of the incident, I would assume that any self-defense arguments were exausted at trial.
Not two times.
Maybe they should just let him out and come live with someone you know? but that's harsh
It is your actions that truly make you a "human" being . In order to fit the title you have to first be HUMANE( the original spelling and origin of the word human) ....otherwise you are just a being. It's like saying you are a mother just because your body was able to produce a child. The real definition of a mother requires you to care for and love that child to the best of you ability....otherwise you are just a a person who gave birth and should not try to claim the title "mother".
My stance is that I would hate to see a HUMAN being put to death but in this situation I don't think that is the case.
@ Mustang man Hey, @!$%# don't play that @!$%#ing card.
Dead is Dead, What difference does it make how he gets there? This scum didn't offer his victoms a choice. Now the tax payers get to support him a while longer, as well as pay for his legal defense. They should execute his lawyers with him. As far as I'm concerned, they should us ACID or something. Make it hurt like HELL for a few minutes before he dies.
People would think twice before committing crimes, if the punishment fit the crime.
Possibly, but that's irrelevant as far as I'm concerned. He should suffer for as long as the victim's family wishes, and then he should be put out of his misery.
Capital punishment doesn't deter crime. It simply prevents criminals from reoffending.
It doesn't deter crime because it is almost never enforced. If they were executed within say 90 days of their conviction, I believe it would become a deterrent.
Have you ever seen anyone die an excruciating death? Have you ever killed a fellow human or even a helpless pig? Well, I can tell you neither is a pretty sight.
Definitely! Hmmmmmmmmm.......................all meals, medical care, cable TV, weight room............., BUT, death row for almost 22 years? What kind of deterrent to crime? NONE!!!!
I agree with Mustang_man! That sure would thin the prison population out.......... BUT we live in a world of bleeding hearts wanting to protect, not the victim but the perpetrator who is a "victim."
I am so tired of hearing he came from a broken family, he was abused , he was not a good student, he had no positive role model.......blah blah blah balh!
Have you ever seen an innocent person murdered? They die an excruciating death that was never a choice of theirs to make. Remember, there is a difference between murder and killed. Death isn't pretty, I encourage you to look at the legal & moral definitions...
Sorry, statistics and reports show no difference. If a person is going to kill he/she is not sitting there scratching their heads debating on whether the crime will get them the death penalty or not. There are people out there who are just evil. The shooter in Aurora is one such person. Pure evilness.
AlaskaGirl ~ I agree with you on this
Julian- You need to understand how the mind works. Also we want to protect everyone with same amount of justice as everyone else. If you don't like how criminal proceedings work and their basis, then blame the Founding Fathers.
"It doesn't deter crime because it is almost never enforced. If they were executed within say 90 days of their conviction, I believe it would become a deterrent."
And history proves you wrong.
What are they afraid of? That the one drug formula may cause him a little discomfort? He didn't think of the discomfort his girlfriend went through when he shot her. FRY HIM NOW!!! There's too many people on this earth to be worrying about these scumbags.
Put a bounty of $100 worth of snacks in the prison store , let him loose in the yard , done deal!!!
Ill sweeten the deal with a couple packs of smokes.
"Testing shows Hearn's IQ is too high for him to be considered mentally impaired." Excuse me, but I know some very intelligent CRAZY people, who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and are nutty as a fruit basket full of walnuts....a high IQ does NOT mean a person isn't insane.....
it's competency whether or not they understand
you can be evil with criminal intent, and to us that's insanity to take an innocent life, but if it's pre meditated with knowledge of intent to committ murder / great bodily harm Guilty as Charged with 20KV
That doesn't matter since his lawyers didn't claim he was insane, they claimed he was mentally impaired.
I don't see how he would be considered Mentally Disabled if he is capable in killing another inmate. Maybe he's STUPID but still that should not draw the line on any of this.
There is a difference between being STUPID and having a mental illness that makes one CRAZY. But the officials don't want to hear that, if he passes an IQ test, then he's considered "Normal"...but he has to be CRAZY to do the things he's been convicted of...
Why do people always think a person that kills is either stupid or crazy? How about just evil?
I fully agree AlaskaGirl.
If he dies his bottom feeder lawyers will lose some income so better keep him alive costing taxpayers more to take care of a double murderer. Funny how when he was out if someone claimed he was on the dumb side, he probably would have beat them to a pulp, but now as coward that should pay for his crimes he is really stupid. Defense lawyers will sell their soul for the almighty dollar and are allowed to make up any lie or tale to keep the money train rolling. Disgusting line of work.
al and jesse are on the way
A and Jesse are on their way ....... good one dude
Where are Al and Jesse when it is a caucasian sentenced to death penalty...just wondering?
i'm not sure about the death penalty sometimes. i don't know if we as a people should take the life of another person. i know all the arguments and moral questions. I have just never been quite able to make up my mind on which is right.
Those who want to ban the Death Penalty should foot the cost of housing these inmates totally.
I'm for the Death Penalty with 1 appeal and a 3 year process max.
Murder : Circumstantial evidence~ I'm for Life without parole.
You are dead on Glen! but see here’s the problem you go to work
all day to pay your bills, Tax’s take care of your family and then there are
these types that would take a life in a heartbeat and the one’s that want to
spare them out of some sense social guilt/greater wrong done by society to
these murderers, now you ask these same people: how they would feel if you took
a dog that had a permanent aggression problem and locked it in a 2x5 cage for
13 years till the end of its natural life.. They would flip out and consider
that intolerable.. Ultimately they are cowards they will run around protesting
the death penalty, never going into the ghetto to help out the kids with the
potential to become these types, or ever look at the larger dysfunctional
situation of these people having no future welfare, no jobs and basically
reverting back into animals that have nothing to lose! You see these people
that protest are the ones that suffer from the largest form of denial they
think socialism is the best way out when in fact it is the cause of the problem!
These gentle liberals feelers will be our demise they just want to skirt around
the outside adding there 2 cents never rolling up there sleeves and getting
dirty because it’s just way too painful and real! If you have a problem with
the death penalty then fix the cause of it!!!!! Cowards!
Just because an individual has a high IQ does not mean he does not significal mental health issues, The question will be when was his last Psycho- educational and neuro evaluation done,