Alabama Executes Jamie Mills for 1996 Murder
Alabama executed Jamie Mills on Thursday. He was convicted of killing an elderly couple in 1996. The execution took place at a state prison in Atmore.
Mills was put to death by lethal injection. The Supreme Court had earlier denied his request to halt the execution. He was pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m. local time.
The victims were Floyd and Vera Hill. They were beaten to death with a hammer and tire iron. The crime occurred in their home in Guin, Alabama.
Background of the Case
Jamie Mills was 20 years old at the time of the murders. He and his girlfriend, JoAnn, were involved in the crime. They initially went to the Hill’s home to steal money. However, the situation escalated into a violent attack.
Legal Challenges
Mills’s attorneys argued that he had ineffective counsel during his trial. They claimed his lawyer failed to present evidence of his mental state. They also said his lawyer had a conflict of interest.
The Supreme Court rejected these arguments. They allowed the execution to proceed. This decision followed a similar ruling by a lower court.
Details of the Crime
Prosecutors said that Mills and his girlfriend planned to rob the Hills. Once inside the house, they attacked the couple. They used a hammer and tire iron to inflict fatal injuries.
JoAnn testified against Mills at his trial. She received a life sentence for her role in the crime.
Final Moments
Before the execution, Mills made a final statement. He expressed remorse for his actions. He also apologized to the Hill family.
The execution was carried out without complications. Witnesses included family members of the victims.
Governor’s Statement
Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey made a statement after the execution. She stated that justice had been served for the Hill family. She also thanked law enforcement for their work on the case.
In addition to the legal challenges, there were also calls for clemency. However, these appeals were unsuccessful.
This execution marks another chapter in a long and difficult case for everyone involved. The focus now shifts to the families affected by this crime.
Source: bbc.com
