Johnny Johnson’s Final Phrases Earlier than Missouri Execution

Johnny Johnson, 45, a dying row inmate convicted of killing 6-year-old Casey Williamson in 2002 after making an attempt to sexually assault her, was executed on the Missouri state jail in Bonne Terre on Tuesday.

He’s the fourth inmate to die from deadly injection within the state this 12 months.

Johnson’s execution was quickly halted final week by a three-judge panel of the eighth U.S. Circuit Courtroom after questions had been raised in regards to the inmate’s psychological competency. His legal professionals beforehand argued that Johnson lacked an understanding concerning the connection to his crime and punishment, reported the Related Press (AP). Johnson was identified with schizophrenia.

However on Monday, the momentary halt was reversed in a 7-3 ruling after the Missouri Lawyer Normal’s Workplace requested all the appeals court docket to rethink. Missouri Governor Mike Parson additionally confirmed Johnson’s dying sentence on Monday.

The Missouri Division of Corrections informed Newsweek that Johnson’s final meal consisted of a bacon cheeseburger, curly fries and a strawberry shake. He was pronounced useless at 7:33 p.m. EST, authorities informed AP.

In a written ultimate assertion, which was shared with Newsweek, Johnson issued an apology for these impacted by his crime dedicated over twenty years in the past.

“God Bless,” the assertion learn. “Sorry to the folks and household I damage.”

In accordance with court docket paperwork, Johnson attended a barbecue the night time earlier than Williamson’s dying at her father’s residence in Valley Park, Missouri, and spent the night time afterward on the sofa. Williamson’s mom, Angie Wideman, beforehand informed the St. Louis Put up-Dispatch that Johnson was her greatest pal’s little brother.

The following morning, Johnson lured Williamson to an abandon glass manufacturing unit with the intention of sexually assaulting her, in accordance with court docket paperwork. When Williamson resisted his try and tried to flee, Johnson beat her a number of occasions within the head with a brick and a boulder, finally killing the younger lady.

Johnson then buried Williamson with rocks and leaves close to the manufacturing unit and washed himself clear of any proof within the Meramec River, learn court docket papers. He later confessed to his crimes.

“Johnny Johnson’s crime is without doubt one of the most horrific murders that has come throughout my desk,” Parson mentioned in a press release Monday after confirming Johnson’s execution. “Casey was an harmless younger lady who bravely fought Johnson till he took her life. My workplace has obtained numerous letters in the previous few weeks searching for justice for Casey. Though this would possibly not carry her again, we hope that finishing up Johnson’s sentence in accordance with the Courtroom’s order could present some closure for Casey’s family members.”

Advocates for Johnson argued that he was mentally incompetent when he dedicated the crime and by no means obtained correct care as soon as in custody. His legal professionals claimed that Johnson had stopped taking his schizophrenia medicine in January 2002—roughly six months earlier than Williamson’s dying—as a result of it made him “really feel like a zombie.”

However in an emotional plea to Parson, Williamson’s great-aunt, Della Steele, urged the governor to proceed with Johnson’s execution to “ship the message that it isn’t okay to terrorize and homicide a baby.”

“He did one thing horrible,” Steele informed AP. “He took a life away from a very harmless baby, and there must be penalties for that.”

The U.S. Supreme Courtroom has beforehand dominated that the dying penalty is prohibited in circumstances the place the inmate suffers from extreme psychological sickness.

Missouri has carried out 4 deadly injections this 12 months, together with 42-year-old Michael Tisius, 62-year-old Scott Eizember and 49-year-old Amber McLaughlin. In accordance with AP, Johnson marks the sixteenth execution within the U.S. in 2023.