Utah To Execute Killer By Firing Squad

AP/theindychannel.com ^ | 04/23/2010 | Jennifer Dobner

[Abathar]

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah is set to execute a convicted killer by firing squad after a judge agreed Friday to the inmate's request for the method, renewing a debate over what critics see as an antiquated, Old West-style of justice.

Ronnie Lee Gardner, 49, was given the choice of being killed by lethal injection or shot by a five-man team of executioners firing from a set of matched rifles, a rarely used relic that harkens back to Utah's territorial history.

"I would like the firing squad, please," Gardner told State court Judge Robin Reese Friday morning, after Reese told him his avenues for appeal appear to be exhausted.

[Abathar]

How polite, he actually used "please" when choosing his execution method.

[wac3rd]

Is it me, or all murderers seem to always have “Lee” in their middle name?

Johnny Lee Roberts....

Always refer to them with all three names, too.

[GeronL]

So, will at least one of the guns will have blanks, so the shooters will be able to live with themselves or something?

[allmendream]

I think killers and such are usually referred to WITH the middle name so that every “Johnathan Roberts” isn't associated with a killer, so they call him “Johnny Lee Roberts”.

And “Lee” may have a bad track record, but “Wayne” is worse! ;)

[NativeSon]

sounds like “Life of Brian”....

[Abathar]

You’re right, just like most women with the hyphenated two last names like Hillary Rodham Clinton tend to be real b*tches.

[sinsofsolarempirefan]

Soldiers convicted of serious military offences are shot by firing squad, common criminals should be hanged....

[Michael.SF.]

all murderers seem to always have “Lee” in their middle name?

I wonder iof that is how this guy got his nickname:

[Abathar]

I’ve heard of them doing that, but I don’t know if it’s a urban legend or not.

[Vigilanteman]

. . . renewing a debate over what critics see as an antiquated, Old West-style of justice.

Who is causing the debate? A bunch of bleeding-heart ACLU types who don't want anyone executed ever for any reason whatsoever?

Unless it happens to be an unborn child who is inconvenient. Or a disabled person using a feeding tube.

Still, I'm a little disappointed that Utah substituted lethal injection with the choice gallows birds used to have-- the hangman's noose.

There is a deterrent effect to the wind dance or the firing squad. What's another needle in the arm to a murdering junkie?

[54skylark]

“Gardner, 49, was sentenced to death for killing an attorney”

Hell if you have been through our justice system today you can kinda feel for the guy

[AngelesCrestHighway]

"Old West-style of justice.".... That has a nice ring! Hey...It's by request! The judge respects the last rights of the condemed! Get out of the way Pilgrim if you can't handle it!....

[tatsinfla]

that is correct....

[NorCoGOP]

I recall a Ripley's Believe or Not article years ago, in which a court jester that had offended the King was sentenced to execution, but, having a small measure of mercy on the condemned, allowed the jester to choose the manner of execution.

The jester, when asked "what manner of death do ye prefer" answered "old age, my Lord."

His wish was granted...

I would much prefer the judge, after pronouncing the sentence, pull out a pistol, and carry out said sentence, right then and there...would save time, money, etc.....

[GeronL]

good point

[Lazamataz]

So, will at least one of the guns will have blanks, so the shooters will be able to live with themselves or something?

Actually NONE of the rifles will have blanks, so the shooters will be able to live with themselves.

Or something. ;)

[circlecity]

Wasn’t Gary Gilmore the last to get by firing squad. “Let’s do it”

[Abathar]

*snicker*

He was heard muttering afterwords “Someone has to be first to get the ball rolling...”

[GeronL]

Thanks

[lionheart 247365]

Lee or Wayne seem to be very popular amongst murderers .