[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----ALABAMA

[Rick Halperin]

June 8




ALABAMA----execution

Robert Bryant Melson executed for 1994 triple slaying

most recent mugshot from the ADOC

Tonight Alabama death row inmate Robert Bryant Melson was executed by lethal 
injection for the 1994 slayings of 3 fast food restaurant workers in Gadsden. 
It was the 2nd execution for Alabama in 2 weeks.

The execution of Melson -- convicted of numerous counts of capital murder, 
attempted murder, and robbery in the shooting at Popeye's -- was delayed by 
federal and state appeal courts on his requests for a stay. The execution was 
set for 6 p.m. at Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, but did not begin 
until 9:55 p.m.

Commissioner Jeff Dunn made a statement at the media center following the 
execution. He read a statement from Tamika Collins' family, part of which said, 
"[Melson] feels that he should not suffer a little pain... what does he think 
those three people felt?... I see no feeling for anyone but himself."

A cousin of Tamika Collins also wrote a statement. It said, "The day has 
finally arrived... it does not change the acts he so violently carried out." 
The cousin, whose name was not given, also said of Collins' late father, "This 
was a day he waited for."

Collins mother and two sisters witnessed the execution.

No family members of Melson were present.

Dunn said he was not aware of any other executions planned, but the Department 
of Corrections has supplies of the lethal drugs if necessary.

Melson was officially pronounced dead at 10:27 p.m. When asked if he had any 
last words, Melson shook his head "no." His hands were shaking before the 
execution began at approximately 9:59 p.m.

For approximately 7 minutes, Melson appeared to have slightly labored 
breathing. His breathing then slowed, and he did not respond to a consciousness 
check by a corrections officer before the 2nd 2 drugs in the 3-drug execution 
method-- which stop the heart and breathing-- were administered.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released the following statement 
Thursday night after Melson's execution: "Robert Melson's decades-long 
avoidance of justice is over.  For 23 years, the families of the three young 
people whose lives he took, as well as a survivor, have waited for closure and 
healing.  That process can finally begin tonight."

Melson becomes the 2nd condemned inmate to be put to death this year in
Alabama and the 60th overall since the state resumed capital punishment in
1983.

Melson becomes the 13th condemned inmate to be put to death this year in the 
USA and the 1455th overall since the nation resumed executions on
January 17, 1977.

(sources: al.com & Rick Halperin)