In this case, the perp is part Mexican, so maybe it’s a pander to Hispanics. Problem is - Mexicans want murderers killed. And I’m not making this up: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment_in_Mexico
[Surveys in 2009 suggested that up to 70% of the population supported the restoration of the death penalty, however it is unlikely that the constitution will be changed, as both religious and human rights groups have strongly opposed restoration.[9]
A 2017 poll study found younger Mexicans are more likely to support capital punishment.[10] ]