Utah to execute condemned killer by firing squad

[ccharles000]

SALT LAKE CITY— Utah is set to execute a condemned killer by firing squad shortly after midnight Thursday, reviving a style of justice that hasn't been used for at least 14 years and that many criticize as archaic.

Barring the success of any final appeals, Ronnie Lee Gardner will be strapped into a chair, have a target pinned over his heart and die in a hail of bullets from five anonymous marksmen armed with .30-caliber rifles and firing from behind a ported wall.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver denied Gardner's petition for a stay Thursday, saying allegations of a conflict of interest by the Utah attorney general's office were without merit. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert also denied Gardner's request for a temporary stay, saying Gardner has had "a full and fair opportunity" to have his case considered.

Gardner's final appeals are still pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

After a visit with his family, Gardner was moved from his regular cell in a maximum security wing of the Utah State Prison to an observation cell Wednesday night, Department of Corrections officials said. He will be allowed to see his attorney and clergy Thursday.

http://rr.com/news/topic/article/rr/9000/14017100/Utah_to_execute_condemned_killer_by_firing_squad

[WeDidIt]

1. He chose death by firing squad

Unless a firing squad is requested, the DP in Utah is by lethal injection.

[theoldman]

2. The firing squad is a quick death.

Injection is slower.

[TheMightyFavog]

4. Unless the shooters do not find thier mark...

Happened once in the fifties. The shooters did not hit their mark, and the poor guy bled to death

[NutmegYankee]

3. He will die from the same death as his victims.

With .30 rounds, it will be quick.

[Buenaventura]

5. lovely to live in such a civilized country n/t

[marmar]

6. How does a society become better by doing crap like this?

I just don't get the death penalty-supporting mindset.

[rug]

7. The target over his heart is tacky.

[Buenaventura]

8. i dreamed i saw joe hill last night

alive as live can be
but joe you're ten years dead said i
i never died said he
i never died said he

[proteus_lives]

9. His choice.

Bye-Bye scumbag.