The death penalty probably is a weak deterrent to others committing murder but prevents murders that would be perpetrated by some of the executed killers were they not executed, in prison and out when they is pardoned or given parole or such. To deter other killers something a bit more excruciating is required, crucifixion or Hanging, Drawing, and Quartering, perhaps. Even that would likely provide only marginal deterrence
I’d like to see executions televised. They only recently have been put behind closed doors. If the death penalty is too gruesome for the public to watch, maybe the public’s representatives shouldn’t be doing it. Man up, snowflakes, the next murder you prevent could be your own.