Death by Firing Squad
In a throwback to Utah's Wild West past, convicted murderer Ronnie Lee Gardner has requested, as per state law, to be executed by firing squad. The request sets the stage for what almost certainly will be a contested debate on capital punishment. Gardner would be only the third person to be killed by the method in the U.S. since 1976.
In a throwback to Utah’s Wild West past, convicted murderer Ronnie Lee Gardner has requested, as per state law, to be executed by firing squad. The request sets the stage for what almost certainly will be a contested debate on capital punishment. Gardner would be only the third person to be killed by the method in the U.S. since 1976. –JCL
Rock Solid JournalismThe BBC:
A convicted murderer in the US state of Utah has chosen to be executed by firing squad.
When given a choice between lethal injection or being shot, Ronnie Lee Gardner told the judge: “I would like the firing squad, please.”
Of the 35 US states that have the death penalty, Utah is the only one to give firing squads as an option.
Critics say the method is a relic from the state’s Wild West past and should be abolished.
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