Delaware Holds First Execution Since 2005
July 29, 2011 by UPI - United Press International, Inc.
DOVER, Del., July 29 (UPI) — Delaware held its first execution in more than five years early Friday, putting Robert Jackson III to death for a 1992 murder during a burglary.
The execution went forward after Gov. Jack Markell refused a reprieve late Thursday, The Wilmington News-Journal reported.
Earlier, a federal appeals court refused a stay requested by Jackson’s lawyers over concerns about the drug cocktail to be used for the lethal injection. At 10 p.m., Justice Samuel Alito of the U.S. Supreme Court also refused a stay.
Markell released a statement after the execution: “The state of Delaware this morning carried out the penalty for Robert W. Jackson III for the brutal murder of Elizabeth Girardi. Mr. Jackson’s death sentence was recommended by a jury, imposed by a judge, and reviewed by state and federal appellate courts at all levels. It is my prayer that his victim rests in peace and her family finds some closure. May God have mercy on Mr. Jackson.”
About 15 protesters gathered outside the prison.
Girardi, a Hockessin resident, was killed with an ax when she interrupted a burglary at her home.
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