A US prisoner who killed his former girlfriend many years in the past has been executed regardless of pleas from the sufferer’s household to spare his life.
Joe Nathan James Jr acquired a deadly injection at a south Alabama jail after the US Supreme Court refused his request for a keep of execution.
James was convicted of homicide and sentenced to dying after Faith Hall, 26, was shot lifeless in 1994, within the metropolis of Birmingham.
Ms Hall’s two daughters, who have been three and 6 when their mom was killed, stated they wished the 50-year-old to serve life in jail as a substitute of being executed.
Prosecutors stated James briefly dated Ms Hall and have become obsessed together with her when she rejected him.
He stalked and harassed her for months earlier than killing her.
On 15 August 1994, Ms Hall was at a buddy’s home when he pressured his means into the house, pulled a gun from his waistband and shot her thrice, in keeping with court docket paperwork.
Ms Hall’s household, who didn’t attend the execution, stated it was a “tragic day” for them.
“We are having to relive the hurt that this caused us many years ago,” they stated in a press release.
“We hoped the state wouldn’t take a life simply because a life was taken and we have forgiven Mr Joe Nathan James Jr for his atrocities toward our family.
“We pray that God permits us to search out therapeutic after as we speak and that in the future our felony justice system will take heed to the cries of households like ours even when it goes towards what the state needs.”
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said she always deeply considers the feelings of the victim’s family and loved ones, but “should all the time fulfil our duty to the legislation, to public security and to justice”.
“Faith Hall, the sufferer of repetitive harassment, critical threats and finally, cold-blooded homicide, was taken from this earth far too quickly by the hands of Joe Nathan James Jr,” she said.
“Now, after two convictions, a unanimous jury choice and almost three many years on dying row, Mr James has been executed for capital homicide, and justice has been served for Faith Hall.”
She said the execution meant an “unmistakable message was despatched that Alabama stands with victims of home violence”.
Source: information.sky.com”