Death penalty in utah - couldn’t be applied in one high profile case. Appeals dragged on for enough decades that the killer developed dementia (allegedly).
“Convicted for a 1986 murder, his execution was paused in August 2025 by the Utah Supreme Court following appeals regarding his competency and dementia, according to Utah News Dispatch.”
“While Utah was a pioneer in modern executions, only eight people have been executed since 1977.”
In another case a thug caught two teenagers smoking dope with his girlfriend without him present. He said he was merciful by slitting their throats and dumping them down a mine shaft. Only hope for justice is if another inmate administers it.
I just re-read Norman Mailers' book, The Executioner's Song, about Gary Gilmore, who pleaded for his execution in Utah despite appeals efforts on his behalf. His wish was granted.