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Why would that upset Catholic Freepers?

Because many are against execution...and many revere Pope John Paul II, who was firmly against it in almost all cases. On the other hand, there are those who give convicted murderers more right-to-die than innocent men, whom they say would be sinful if they chose to die.

My head spins at it, which is why I was trying to figure out how to word my comment and used the awkward definite article. I guess I probably offended more with the disclaimer than I would have without!

I also noted while looking into the case more that he quite likely was just committing a robbery.

Because many are against execution...and many revere Pope John Paul II, who was firmly against it in almost all cases.

Agreed, but it is not against Catholic Doctrine and JPII did not change that. He offered his guidance as the shepherd of the flock and to be merciful as God is merciful as to reserve captial punishment for extreme cases. I believe this is one of those cases.

Because many are against execution...and many revere Pope John Paul II, who was firmly against it in almost all cases.

We are all sinners and so even the worst of us must be given a chance to repent and turn their lives around, the Bible is repleat with many such conversions and there are many today to, so I believe that is what the Pope meant, however while he may wish the death penalty was not used it is still acceptable to church teaching, see the below:

2267 Assuming that the guilty party's identity and responsibility have been fully determined, the traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor.

So don't worry about it, here's one catholic who isn't losing any sleep over it, especially given that I am South Asian and so could have easily been one of this misguided morons victims if I had happened to live near him.