Missouri killed Brian Dorsey on Tuesday for killing his cousin and her husband in 2006, despite hundreds of prison officials' pleas.
The first Missouri prisoner executed this year was Dorsey, 51. According to Missouri Department of Corrections spokesman Karen Pojmann, he died at 6:11 p.m. local time in the Bonne Terre state jail after a single pentobarbital injection.
Corrections personnel hailed Dorsey a “model inmate” who cut the warden's hair after being permitted to work as a barber in a letter urging Gov. Mike Parson to save his life. Monday, Parson announced the execution would proceed.
He wrote, "To my family, friends, and all of those that tried to prevent this, I love you!" as his last words. I appreciate you. You help me find serenity, so thank you. To all sides of this phrase, I have no ill intent or resentment, simply acceptance and understanding.”
Dorsey was convicted of murdering cousin Sarah Bonnie and her husband, Ben Bonnie, after asking for their help because two drug dealers arrived at his home demanding he pay his debts.
In March, the Missouri Supreme Court upheld Dorsey's sentence after his defense presented a clinical doctor who cited mental health difficulties, suicide attempts, and drug addiction.
He added: "Brian trimmed my hair and we talked, and I know he felt humiliation and regret. He was good but made a mistake and was improving. I felt sending individuals to prison would do that."
Dorsey's cousin Jenni Gerhauser and Sarah Bonnie joined those who wanted courts or clemency to stop the execution. She stated before the execution Tuesday that modern justice "failed Brian."
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