A Surge in Executions: A Week of Death Penalty Activity in the U.S.
In a striking and somber turn of events, death row inmates in five states were executed within a single week, marking an unusual spike in capital punishment that contradicts a long-standing trend of decline in both the application and public support for the death penalty in the United States. This series of executions has reignited discussions about the complexities and controversies surrounding capital punishment in the country.
The Unfolding of Executions
The week began with the execution of Freddie Owens in South Carolina on Friday, followed by two more executions in Missouri and Texas on Tuesday, and culminating with executions in Oklahoma and Alabama on Thursday. This unprecedented cluster of five executions in just seven days is the first of its kind in over two decades, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, a nonprofit organization that critically examines the implementation of capital punishment.
How Did This Happen?
Experts attribute the scheduling of these executions to a confluence of factors rather than a coordinated effort. Eric Berger, a law professor specializing in the death penalty, noted that the timing was likely coincidental, resulting from individual states setting execution dates after inmates had exhausted their legal appeals.
“I’m not aware of any reason other than coincidence,” Berger explained. He pointed out that various factors can lead to a backlog of executions, such as difficulties in obtaining the necessary lethal drugs or moratoriums prompted by previous botched executions. South Carolina, for instance, faced significant delays due to its inability to procure the drugs required for lethal injections.
South Carolina: A Long-Awaited Execution
The first execution of the week took place in South Carolina, where Freddie Owens was put to death for the 1997 murder of a convenience store clerk during a robbery. This marked the state’s first execution in 13 years, a delay largely attributed to challenges in securing lethal injection drugs. To navigate this issue, South Carolina shifted from a three-drug protocol to a single-drug method using pentobarbital, a sedative that has become a common choice for executions in recent years.
Missouri: Controversy Surrounding Marcellus Williams
On Tuesday evening, Missouri executed Marcellus Williams, who was convicted for the 1998 stabbing death of a woman in University City. His execution was contentious, as his attorneys argued that procedural errors during jury selection and mishandling of evidence warranted a stay. However, the Missouri Supreme Court rejected these claims, and Governor Mike Parson denied clemency, allowing the execution to proceed.
Texas: The Case of Travis Mullis
Also on Tuesday, Texas executed Travis Mullis, a man with a documented history of mental illness. Mullis had been sentenced to death for the tragic killing of his 3-month-old son in 2008. Notably, Mullis had expressed a desire to waive his appeals, stating that he believed his punishment was appropriate for his crime. Texas continues to be the most active state in carrying out executions, with Mullis being the fourth inmate executed in 2023 alone.
Alabama: A New Method of Execution
Alabama made headlines on Thursday by executing Alan Eugene Miller using nitrogen gas, marking only the second time this method has been employed in the United States. This innovative approach involves the inmate inhaling pure nitrogen, leading to death by hypoxia. Miller was convicted for the 1999 murders of three men during workplace shootings. His execution had been postponed in 2022 due to complications in establishing an intravenous line.
Oklahoma: The Execution of Emmanuel Littlejohn
On the same day, Oklahoma executed Emmanuel Littlejohn, who was sentenced to death for his involvement in the 1992 shooting of a convenience store owner during a robbery. While Littlejohn admitted to participating in the robbery, he contended that he did not fire the fatal shot. Despite a recommendation from the state’s Pardon and Parole Board to spare his life, Governor Kevin Stitt ultimately rejected the plea, leading to Littlejohn’s execution.
The Broader Context
The recent surge in executions raises critical questions about the future of capital punishment in the United States. With public opinion shifting and a notable decline in executions over the past several years, the sudden spike in activity has prompted renewed scrutiny of the legal and ethical implications of the death penalty. As states navigate the complexities of carrying out executions, the conversation surrounding capital punishment continues to evolve, reflecting broader societal attitudes toward justice, retribution, and human rights.