Summary:
Bishop, Jessie Johnson, Marcus Gentry, and Ricky Myhand were riding around and drinking beer one evening. An argument began after Johnson accused Gentry of getting Johnson's brother in trouble with the law. The two exchanged words and then Johnson hit Gentry over the head with a hammer. When Gentry jumped from the car and fled, Bishop ran after him and took him back to the car, where he was hit and kicked numerous times. Myhand reported the killing to police and led investigators to the body. He was not charged. At trial, a forensic pathologist testified there were 23 injuries to the head, neck and hand produced by a blunt object, such as a hammer. Bishop told a judge at his sentencing hearing he wanted to be sentenced to death instead of having a jury decide whether he would get life without parole or the death penalty. Johnson, who was tried separately, is serving life in prison.
Citations: Bishop v. State, 812 So.2d 934 (Miss. 2002) (Direct Appeal) Bishop v. State, 882 So.2d 135 (Miss. 2004) (PCR). Bishop v. Epps, 265 Fed.Appx. 285 (5th Cir. 2008) (Habeas).
Final/Special Meal:
3 pieces of pineapple supreme pizza, cherries and cream ice cream and four root beers.
Final Words:
"To Mark's family, I would like to express my sincerest apologies. It was a senseless act. It was a needless act. The world is worse off without him. To my family, I love you. It's going to be all good." He finished by referring to Obama, the Democratic presidential hopeful. "For those who oppose the death penalty and want to see it end, our best bet is to vote for Barack Obama because his supporters have been working behind the scenes to end this practice. God bless America; it's been great living here. That's all."