The death penalty is for the victims family and friends to have closure. It also is closure for the community at large. Life in prison for the murderer is cruel joke on the family members/fiends and the community.
Fair point. Personally, I'd have closure knowing they have life without parole and live in a box; no hope; no freedom; rape; beatings; stabbings; etc. Like stated above, my problem is with the "humane" lethal injections. If condemed to execution, I'd support it if they're slowly hung in public and/or televised. No quick snapping of the neck - let them twist and spasm while kicking their legs...
Of course, this would only apply to those who are undoubtly guilty. DNA testing has now shown some few weren't actually guilty. But monsters like Eddie Ray Routh who unequivically murdered Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield is not that exception. Hang him or hard labor for life. Just don't put him to sleep like I had to for my beloved doggie last year. They don't deserve the same treatment. Yes, I'm vengeful.