DeathPenalty Trending News

2026-03-23 15:50:15

Supreme Court Blocks DNA Test in Texas Death Row Case

The Supreme Court rejected death row inmate Rodney Reed's appeal for DNA testing on crime scene evidence he says would prove his innocence. He was convicted of a 1996 murder. Celebrities have supported his case. read more

2026-03-17 16:30:45

Texas Inmate Executed for 2013 Murders, Apologizes

Texas inmate Cedric Ricks was executed for fatally stabbing his girlfriend and her 8-year-old son in 2013. He apologized profusely to the victims' relatives, including the surviving son he stabbed 25 times, before receiving a lethal injection. read more

2026-03-11 08:40:05

Texas Execution Looms as Supreme Court Weighs Appeal

Cedric Ricks, 51, is scheduled for execution in Texas for the 2013 murders of his girlfriend and her 8-year-old son. His final appeals, alleging racial bias in jury selection, were denied by courts and the parole board. read more

2026-03-10 17:10:13

Alabama Governor Halts Execution, Commutes Inmates Sentence

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey commuted Charles Burton's death sentence to life without parole. Burton, 75, was convicted for a 1991 murder despite not being present for the shooting. The governor cited fairness, as the actual shooter's sentence was previously reduced. read more

2026-03-04 01:10:06

Florida executed Billy Leon Kearse for the 1991 murder of Officer Danny Parrish. He became the state's third execution this year. Kearse seized Parrish's gun during a traffic stop struggle, firing 14 times. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final appeal. read more

2026-02-28 02:40:06

Death Penalty Dropped in CEO Murder Case

Federal prosecutors will not appeal a ruling that prevents seeking the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, accused of killing a UnitedHealthcare CEO. His federal trial begins in September, with a separate state murder trial scheduled for June. read more

2026-02-25 00:20:04

Florida Executes 65-Year-Old for 1986 Murder

Florida executed 65-year-old Melvin Trotter for a 1986 murder. His attorneys argued his age should exempt him. This is Florida's second execution this year, following a record 19 in 2025 under Governor DeSantis. read more

2026-02-24 08:40:10

Florida Executes Inmate for 1986 Grocery Murder

Melvin Trotter, 65, is scheduled for execution in Florida for a 1986 murder. His appeals, citing age and protocol issues, were denied. This is Florida's second execution this year, following a record number in 2023 under Governor DeSantis. read more

2026-02-12 18:40:05

Oklahoma Executes Killer After Nightclub Dispute

Oklahoma executed Kendrick Simpson for a 2006 double murder following a nightclub dispute. He apologized but was denied clemency. His attorneys cited childhood PTSD. The state's attorney general called him a remorseless, violent killer. read more

2026-02-12 10:10:14

Oklahoma to Execute Killer After Clemency Denied

Kendrick Simpson is set to be executed in Oklahoma for a 2006 drive-by double murder. He apologized to the victims' families, but clemency was denied. This marks the second U.S. execution this year. read more

2026-02-10 10:20:13

Florida Executes First Inmate of 2026 in 1989 Murder

Florida's first 2026 execution is scheduled for Ronald Heath, convicted of the 1989 murder of traveling salesman Michael Sheridan during a robbery. This follows a state-record 19 executions in 2025 under Governor DeSantis. Two more executions are set for February and March. read more

2026-02-06 10:10:05

Alabama to Execute Accomplice as Shooter Got Life

Alabama plans to execute Charles "Sonny" Burton on March 12 for a 1991 murder, though he did not fire the shot. The triggerman later received life. Burton's clemency plea, supported by some jurors and the victim's child, was denied. read more

2026-01-31 22:40:05

Florida Man Gets Life for Girls Alligator Murder

Harrel Braddy, 76, avoided the death penalty and was resentenced to life for the 1998 kidnapping and murder of 5-year-old Quatisha Maycock, whom he left in the Everglades. The jury's decision came after his original death sentence was overturned. read more

2026-01-30 16:30:41

Judge Dismisses Death Penalty for Healthcare CEO Murder Suspect

A judge dismissed federal murder and weapons charges against Luigi Mangione, sparing him a possible death penalty. He still faces stalking charges with a maximum life sentence for the killing of a healthcare CEO. read more

2026-01-29 07:40:05

Texas Executes Man in First 2026 U.S. Death Penalty Case

Charles Victor Thompson, executed in Texas, was the first U.S. execution this year. Convicted for a 1998 double murder, he apologized to the victims' families before his lethal injection. The Supreme Court rejected his final appeal hours prior. read more

2025-03-23 14:40:05

Arizona Governor Dismisses Expert Review on Capital Punishment Procedures

The governor of Arizona dismissed an expert judge studying the state's death penalty procedures to push forward Aaron Gunches' execution. This decision reflects a disconcerting trend of disregarding expert knowledge in important decisions, even in matters of capital punishment. read more

2025-03-20 21:40:39

White House Considers Death Penalty for Tesla Vandals

Fox News host posed a bizarre hypothetical about Tesla vandalism leading to death penalty consideration to White House spox. Recent attacks on Teslas linked to protests against Elon Musk's involvement in the government prompt threats of harsh prosecution from Trump administration. read more

2025-03-19 18:40:44

Arizona Executes Death Row Inmate Aaron Gunches by Injection

Arizona has executed Aaron Gunches, its first execution in almost two years. Gunches, convicted of murdering Ted Price in 2002 after an argument with Price's ex-girlfriend, was put to death by lethal injection. read more

2025-03-19 01:20:45

Louisiana Conducts First Nitrogen Gas Execution Amid Legal Battles

Louisiana executed Jessie Hoffman via nitrogen gas despite legal efforts stating it violated his religious freedom. The execution was the state's first in 15 years. Hoffman, convicted of a 1996 rape and murder, spent years fighting the method, which intensified concerns over executions. read more

2025-03-18 13:50:40

Louisiana Prepares for First Execution in 15 Years amid Legal Battle

Louisiana prepares for its first execution in 15 years as lawyers race against time to halt the use of nitrogen gas on death row inmate Jessie Hoffman Jr. Attorneys argue the method is unconstitutional, violating religious freedom, but state officials aim to proceed, expecting justice for victims' families. read more

2025-03-15 10:10:40

Alabama Inmate Requests Execution, Will Be Put to Death

Alabama murderer, James Osgood, convicted for the rape and murder of Tracy Brown, requested and will receive his death penalty wish through lethal injection on April 24. Despite appeals, Osgood expressed guilt and a desire for execution. read more

2025-03-11 22:50:03

Judge Halts Louisiana's First Nitrogen Gas Execution Set for Next Week.

A federal judge in Louisiana stops the state's first nitrogen gas execution, scheduled for next week. Attorney General Liz Murrill plans to appeal the decision. read more

2025-03-07 16:20:39

Challenges Delay Idaho's Firing Squad Execution Facility Construction

Idaho seeks to construct a firing squad execution facility, facing contractor reluctance. Amid challenges in lethal injections supply, Idaho plans for firing squad executions have met opposition from construction firms and critics, highlighting ongoing hurdles in capital punishment practices. read more

2025-02-26 17:50:03

Louisiana to Execute Death Row Inmates with Nitrogen Gas

Louisiana bans nitrogen gas to euthanize dogs but plans to use it for executing a death row inmate. Jessie Hoffman faces gassing, sparking criticism of the rushed execution. Legal challenges are ongoing. read more

2025-02-15 13:40:04

Attorney General Orders Transfer of Inmate George John Hanson for Execution

The US Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has directed the transfer of federal inmate George John Hanson to Oklahoma for execution. Hanson, convicted in 1999, is set to be executed for his involvement in a kidnapping and murder case in Tulsa. read more

2025-02-13 12:40:05

"I Am Ready, Warden": Documentary Examines Death Penalty's Impact

Aaron Castro, son of a murder victim, spent almost 20 years seeking closure through his father's killer's execution. However, a documentary reveals his doubts and emotions as he realizes that this act does not bring him the expected closure, questioning the concept of justice. read more

2025-02-07 02:10:03

Alabama Executes Demetrius Frazier for 1991 Murder Case

Demetrius Terrence Frazier, a convicted murderer and rapist in Alabama, became the fourth death row inmate in the U.S. to be executed with nitrogen gas. He apologized to his victim's family before his execution, which was the first in Alabama using this method. read more

2025-01-31 12:10:04

Iran's Record Executions Raise Concerns Amid Kurdish Activist's Reprieve

Iran has granted Kurdish activist Pakhshan Azizi a temporary reprieve from execution for her role in the 2022 protests, but uncertainty remains. Azizi faces charges of inciting unrest during the Mahsa Amini protests, sparking a crackdown resulting in 500 deaths. read more

2025-01-31 10:10:03

South Carolina to Execute Third Inmate Amid Death Row Backlog

South Carolina is set to execute its third inmate since September as Marion Bowman Jr.'s scheduled execution follows a 13-year pause in the state's use of the death penalty. Bowman has maintained his innocence, emphasizing he doesn't want to spend more time in prison. read more

2025-01-22 02:10:04

Trump Issues Order to Aid States in Obtaining Lethal Injection Drugs

President Trump's executive order directs the attorney general to aid states in acquiring lethal injection drugs for executions, though implementing this may face legal challenges. Trump is a vocal supporter of expanding capital punishment, aiming to increase executions and make more people eligible for the death penalty. read more

2025-01-07 17:00:14

"Biden Commutes Death Sentences, Two Inmates Refuse, Cite Innocence"

President Biden commuted 37 death sentences, with two inmates refusing the offer due to concerns it could impede their appeals to prove innocence. The prisoners at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, stress that the commutations might jeopardize their ongoing legal battles. read more

2025-01-05 00:00:10

Arizona death row inmate requests expedited execution date in mid-February

Arizona death row prisoner Aaron Brian Gunches has requested an early execution after spending over two decades awaiting death for a 2002 murder conviction. Gunches, representing himself, urged the court to skip formalities for a mid-February execution, sparking a debate on resuming Arizona's death penalty. read more

2024-12-30 18:40:03

UK MPs Demand Action on Iran's Use of Death Penalty

Hundreds of UK MPs demand action against Iran's increased use of the death penalty, with over 400 executions this year. Concerns are raised over false charges and political executions, urging the UK government to hold Iran accountable for human rights abuses. read more

2024-12-19 20:10:12

Suspect in CEO Murder Case Faces Federal Charges and Death Penalty

Luigi Mangione, suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, now faces federal charges in addition to state charges. Prosecutors could seek the death penalty. The suspect's lawyer questions the additional charges. Mangione has become a problematic figure attracting a dark fandom and financial support. read more

2024-12-18 21:40:05

Joseph Corcoran Executed in Indiana; Last Words and Meal Revealed

Joseph Corcoran, convicted of murder, was executed in Indiana after killing four people. His last meal request was Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Following years of legal battles due to mental illness, Corcoran showed no remorse, leading to his lethal injection. read more

2024-12-17 10:10:05

Zephen Xaver Sentenced to Death for Sebring Bank Murders

Zephen Xaver, 27, has been sentenced to death for murdering five women in a Florida bank. The judge deemed the killings pre-meditated and cruel, showcasing the aggravating factors outweighing his mental illness. Xaver texted "I've always wanted to kill people" prior to the murders. read more

2024-12-16 13:10:06

Final US Execution in 2024: Kevin Ray Underwood's Conviction Stand

Joseph Corcoran, an Indiana man, is scheduled to be the final execution of 2024 in the US, set for Wednesday, after killing four men in 1997. Kevin Ray Underwood in Oklahoma, convicted of killing a 10-year-old girl as part of a cannibalistic fantasy, was denied clemency. read more

2024-12-09 20:40:08

Business Leaders and Families Urge Biden to Commute Death Sentences

Business leaders and families of murder victims urge President Biden to commute federal death row sentences for 40 inmates. Advocates fear Trump's potential increase in federal executions and emphasize the emotional toll and prolonged agony caused by the death penalty. read more

2024-12-05 08:10:09

Man Sentenced to Death for Triple Homicide in Fort Worth

Jason Thornburg, 44, has been sentenced to death for killing and dismembering three people in Fort Worth in 2021, with his belief in "committing sacrifices." The bodies were found in a burning dumpster, and Thornburg had confessed to the killings. read more