Posted on 04/29/2005 5:01:47 AM PDT by WKB
ATMORE - Mario Giovanni Centobie, a killer and escape artist, smiled slightly and gave a thumbs-up before he was executed Thursday night for the 1998 murder of Moody police Officer Keith Turner.
Centobie, strapped to a gurney, stared at the ceiling, fidgeted nervously, repeatedly broke into a grin and sometimes nodded his head. He said nothing.
He didn't acknowledge his mother or brother sitting in a witness room to his right, or the relatives and co-workers of Turner in a separate witness room straight ahead.
Divorced for 10 years, Centobie wore his wedding ring.
He was pronounced dead at 6:22 p.m.
Centobie's mother, Tracy Centobie, clutched a handkerchief and shook visibly throughout the 20 minutes it took to watch her son die. As she cried quietly, a son draped his arm around her shoulder.
Among those witnessing Centobie's death were the slain officer's widow, Brandy Phillips, and Dorothy Merkl, Turner's mother. Phillips showed no emotion during the execution and declined comment.
"At the point his chest stopped moving, I felt relieved," said the officer's brother, Patrick Turner, another witness.
Those who came expecting and hoping for an apology didn't get it. "I never saw any remorse," Patrick Turner said. "He did not even apologize to his own mama for what he put her through. He didn't care."
Another more painful:
Moody Police Chief Johnny Kile said the execution was painful to watch but was easier than Turner's death during a 1998 two-state crime spree that followed Centobie's escape from a prison in his native Mississippi.
"He wasn't left on the side of the road with a bullet in the back of his head," Kile said.
Retired Tuscaloosa Police Capt. Cecil Lancaster, who was shot by Centobie and survived, said he long ago forgave his attacker and felt sorrow for his family. But, he said, Centobie's fate should serve as a reminder that life is about choices. "Mario Centobie chose the path he went down. Nobody ever made him make one of these decisions."
In the hours before he was put to death, Centobie visited with his mother, two brothers, a sister and members of the prison ministry group Kairos.
Centobie was upbeat and in good spirits throughout the day though he was said to become agitated when there was talk of appeals filed against his wishes by a federal defender. The U.S. Supreme Court denied a stay of execution.
An extended last meal:
Centobie left his only possessions, a television and a radio, to fellow Death Row inmates. He had no money left in his account.
He did not make a request for a last meal, but prison officials say he ate heartily: Chili and rice, okra and corn tomato soup, cornbread, gingerbread cake and fruit punch for lunch. Pizza, poor boy and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and three sodas from prison vending machines for a snack. Barbecue chicken, egg noodles with butter, turnip greens, candied sweet potatoes and a strawberry soda for dinner at 3 p.m.
At 4:10 p.m. he was served communion by Rev. Raymond McDonough, a Catholic priest from Birmingham.
Centobie, 39, was on Alabama's Death Row for almost six years. He was convicted in 1999 and rejected all appeals after he was sentenced to death for killing Turner.
Mississippi ping
He was born in Ms and he escaped from
a Ms prison. Apology accepted
Now that I see you are in NY
I understand you didn't or couldn't
read the title and article.
May that POS find unrest in he!!
Hell, that was prolly what done him in.
Rest in pieces Mario.
He rejected all appeals, and it still took about 6 years.
Read the article Bubba...seems like the cousin breeders in Miss let the perp escape.....bummer. but the Folks down in Alabama were able to execute him......and Y'all come up and visit us in NY Ya heah!
I did read the article that is why
I gave it a Mississippi ping.
It was you that couldn't figure it out.
He rejected all appeals, and it still took about 6 years.
Amazing ain't it?
"Moody Police Chief Johnny Kile said the execution was painful to watch..... "
OOOOHHHH. They strapped the guy to a gurney and shot him up with something - how painful.. He just went into lahlahland.
How effete we have become!!
He should have been dancing at the end of a rope for few minutes - THAT would have been justice.
Assuming that he was guilty as charged,this is proof that we he was a genuine sociopath.
Although I hope he found Christ before he was executed, it is good to see that justice was served, albeit a little later than it should have been.
Well, at least they should be able to save a lot of money by not having to feed this sucker any more. Sheesh.
Where you been hiding?
Amen
Right in plain sight. ;) Still waiting for hand to heal. Broke pin and part of it came out about 10 days ago. Dr. wants to leave what's left until it heals better. But I can type a little bit now!
I've heard you can type with your nose
if you have to. :>)
Good to see you!!
LOL!
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