http://www.cnn.com/US/9803/24/florida.executions/
Florida executes second killer in 2 days (From top) Jones, Buenoano, Stano and Remeta 2 more executions due soon March 24, 1998 Web posted at: 12:09 p.m. EST (1709 GMT) In this story: Last words 'Long overdue' Flames from electric chair led to delay Related stories and sites STARKE, Florida (CNN) -- Florida has carried out its second execution in two days, putting to death a man convicted in the 1981 murder of a Jacksonville police officer. Leo Jones, 47, who had argued that the use of a 75-year-old electric chair was cruel and unusual punishment, died in it on Tuesday morning. Jones' attorneys objected after the fiery death of another inmate on March 25, 1997, when flames leaped from the head of an inmate during an execution in the wired, wooden chair known as "Old Sparky." The attorneys had filed an appeal, arguing that Florida's method of execution was cruel and unusual and therefore in violation of the state and U.S. constitutions. The problem led to a yearlong halt in executions in Florida, which ended on Monday when Gerald Stano, 46, died in the state's electric chair for the 1973 murder of a 17-year-old girl. Stano had confessed to 41 killings. Last words "I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger," Jones said repeatedly during preparations while staring at his religious adviser, El Hajj Rabbani Muhammad. When the jolt hit, Jones' fingers tightened and he flinched. As a physician's assistant held a stethoscope to his chest afterward he breathed at least once. Jones' execution was the 41st since Florida's death penalty was upheld in 1976. The last time the state had back-to-back executions was in December 1995. Two more executions are scheduled for next week: Judy Buenoano, 54, the "Black Widow," is scheduled to be executed next Monday for the murder of her husband. She would be the first woman put to death by Florida in 150 years. Twenty-four hours later, the state plans to execute Daniel Remeta, 40, for the 1985 fatal shooting of Mehrle Reeder, a convenience store clerk in Ocala. 'Long overdue' Jones was condemned for the 1981 slaying of Thomas Szafranski, who was struck in the head by a sniper's bullet while sitting in his patrol car in downtown Jacksonville. "In the hearts of all us, it's long overdue," Thomas Pialorsi, who was president of the Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police when Szafranski was shot, said Monday. Jones confessed to the shooting, saying he killed the officer because of police beatings. But he later denied the killing, saying the confession was coerced. In his appeals, he noted the statements of a dozen people who said another man had confessed to the killing. Jones' appeal for a stay to the Florida Supreme Court and a separate appeal to a federal judge were rejected Monday. Flames from electric chair led to delay The delay in Florida executions began last year after flames up to a foot long burst from behind the mask covering the face of Pedro Medina during his execution. The death chamber filled with acrid smoke. No problems with the electric chair were reported as Stano and Jones were put to death. "We've been assured that the chair and all the components are in very good working order," Florida State Prison spokesman Gene Morris told CNN earlier this week. The Florida Supreme Court in October 1997 cleared the way for resumed use of the chair but if such a method for capital punishment is ever ruled unconstitutional, Florida lawmakers have approved execution by lethal injection. In 1990, a sponge in the headpiece caught fire during the death of Jesse Tafero. That also led to a temporary halt in Florida executions. Correspondent Susan Candiotti, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.