Penalty Archives

Alabama Woman Facing Death Penalty for Allegedly Pushing Mother off Cliff in Murder Case: Details Emerge

Hartselle, Alabama – A woman in Alabama faces the possibility of the death penalty after being accused of pushing a mother off a cliff. Loretta Kay Carr, 44, and her daughter Jessie Kelly, 22, were charged with murder in June 2023, almost two years after Mary Elizabeth Isbell, 38, went missing from Hartselle, Alabama. Authorities had been searching extensively for Isbell’s body, but it was not until last year that they were able to locate …

Arizona prosecutors’ deadline for pursuing death penalty in criminal cases may surprise you

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – When it comes to seeking the death penalty in a criminal case, Arizona prosecutors must adhere to specific time constraints outlined by the law. This raises the question: how long do prosecutors have to decide to pursue the death penalty once a case has been initiated? Under Arizona law, prosecutors are required to make a decision regarding seeking the death penalty within a certain time frame after a defendant has been charged …

Idaho’s Botched Execution of Serial Killer Thomas Creech Sparks Debate on Future of Death Penalty

Boise, Idaho – In late February, Idaho faced a failed execution attempt of its longest-serving death row inmate, Thomas Creech. The unsuccessful procedure occurred when medical staff struggled to find a suitable vein for the lethal injection. As a result, Creech, who has spent approximately fifty years incarcerated for murder, managed to evade execution once again. Following the botched execution, questions arose regarding the next steps in Creech’s case and the broader implications for the …

Man Accused of Fatal Rampage Faces Death Penalty in San Jacinto County Case

COLDSPRING, Texas – Francisco Oropeza appeared before a judge Thursday morning to face charges related to a tragic event that took place in San Jacinto County in April 2023, resulting in the loss of five lives. Oropeza is accused of going on a deadly rampage that shocked the community. During the hearing, Oropeza’s defense team was granted additional legal counsel by a San Jacinto County judge, highlighting the complexities of ensuring a fair trial in …

5 Palm Beach County Murder Trials to Captivate in 2024: Death Penalty Case, Stand Your Ground Defense

West Palm Beach, Florida – The Palm Beach County courts are set for a series of high-profile trials in 2024, ranging from death penalty cases to “stand your ground” defenses. Five upcoming murder trials are expected to captivate the community with their legal proceedings. One of the trials scheduled is for Albert Clark, who is facing murder charges in connection with the death of 33-year-old Angel Vargas. Clark claimed self-defense in the 2020 shooting that …

Family of Elderly Couple Attacked in Honolulu Calls for Maximum Penalty for Suspect

Honolulu, Hawaii – The loved ones of an elderly couple who were attacked on Friday are pleading for the harshest penalties possible for the suspect involved. While details on whether an arrest has been made remain unclear as of late Saturday, the family is seeking justice. The granddaughter of the 72-year-old woman who was victimized expressed not only shock and distress but also anger at the situation. Mariah Schlegel, who was thousands of miles away …

Man Guilty of Killing Five People in Alabama Ready to Face Death Penalty

Citronelle, Alabama – Derrick Dearman has made a shocking admission of guilt for a heinous crime that took place eight years ago in south Alabama. In a chilling phone interview, Dearman openly confessed to the brutal killings of five people with an ax and a gun on a dark road. Having been sent to Alabama’s death row in 2018 for the murders of his then-girlfriend’s family members in Citronelle, Dearman made a bold decision. He …

global rise in executions despite increasing opposition to death penalty, Amnesty International reports

Tokyo, Japan – Despite many countries abolishing the use of capital punishment, the number of executions continues to rise globally. According to Amnesty International, the data compiled from official statistics, media reports, and firsthand information indicates that China leads in the number of executions, although exact figures are undisclosed by the Chinese government. In 2022, Amnesty International recorded 883 executions worldwide, marking the highest number since 2017. However, this figure is significantly lower compared to …

State Seeks Death Penalty for Alleged Palm Bay Apartment Shooter in Cold, Calculated Triple Homicide Case

Palm Bay, Florida – The state of Florida is seeking the death penalty for 26-year-old Ta’Shawn Taylor, who is accused of a horrific crime that left three people dead and two others injured in a Palm Bay apartment complex. The incident, which occurred on January 20 at the Woodlake apartment complex, shocked the community as police responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting. Officers arrived at the scene to discover three individuals deceased and …

Oklahoma set to Execute Man for Double Murder After 20 Years: Death Penalty Practices Across the Nation

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is preparing to carry out an execution this week for a man convicted of a double murder over twenty years ago. Michael DeWayne Smith, 41, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester on Thursday. He would be the first person executed in the state this year and the 12th since capital punishment was reinstated in 2021. Smith’s case dates back to February 22, 2002, when …