Post by Anja Nieser on Sept 25, 2006 0:44:39 GMT -5
Family of Slain Police Officer Reacts to Execution
Clarence Hill's attorney is calling for an examination of Florida's
capital punishment system. Hill was executed Wednesday for the 1982 murder
of a Pensacola police officer.
"At 6:12pm the execution of Clarence Hill was carried out according to
protocol in a safe and humane manner," said Robby Cunningham, prison
spokesperson.
It was a brief statement, ending a 24-year journey through the criminal
justice system. Convicted cop-killer Clarence Hill was successfully
executed.
Gannett reporter Paul Flemming witnessed Hill's death. "At 6:02 Mr. Hill
blinked a few times and his lids drooped. His chest heaved twice. Heaved
is perhaps a little strong. 2 heavy sighs," said Flemming.
About 30 opponents of the death penalty held a vigil across from the
prison gate.
"Once there's an execution, there's no instant replay. There's no
do-over," said Mark Elliot of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death
Penalty.
But the most powerful emotions came from the family of slain Pensacola
police officer Steven Taylor.
"Today's actions do not close the book for us. They only turn the page and
start a new chapter," said Gary Mace, Officer Taylor's cousin.
Taylor's widow was too overcome to speak.
"24-years though, is entirely too long for justice to be served. there is
something inherently wrong with our system of justice when a cold-blooded
killer is allowed to remain on death row for decades."
(source: First Coast News)
Clarence Hill's attorney is calling for an examination of Florida's
capital punishment system. Hill was executed Wednesday for the 1982 murder
of a Pensacola police officer.
"At 6:12pm the execution of Clarence Hill was carried out according to
protocol in a safe and humane manner," said Robby Cunningham, prison
spokesperson.
It was a brief statement, ending a 24-year journey through the criminal
justice system. Convicted cop-killer Clarence Hill was successfully
executed.
Gannett reporter Paul Flemming witnessed Hill's death. "At 6:02 Mr. Hill
blinked a few times and his lids drooped. His chest heaved twice. Heaved
is perhaps a little strong. 2 heavy sighs," said Flemming.
About 30 opponents of the death penalty held a vigil across from the
prison gate.
"Once there's an execution, there's no instant replay. There's no
do-over," said Mark Elliot of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death
Penalty.
But the most powerful emotions came from the family of slain Pensacola
police officer Steven Taylor.
"Today's actions do not close the book for us. They only turn the page and
start a new chapter," said Gary Mace, Officer Taylor's cousin.
Taylor's widow was too overcome to speak.
"24-years though, is entirely too long for justice to be served. there is
something inherently wrong with our system of justice when a cold-blooded
killer is allowed to remain on death row for decades."
(source: First Coast News)