[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----GA., MO.

[Rick Halperin]

Feb. 17



GEORGIA----impending execution

Georgia High Court Rejects Appeal From Death Row


Georgia's highest court has rejected an appeal from a prisoner who is hours 
away from being put to death and denied a stay of execution.

In a brief, unanimous order Wednesday afternoon, the Georgia Supreme Court said 
Travis Hittson's request for the court to consider his appeal lacks merit under 
state law.

A judge in Butts County on Tuesday rejected a legal challenge by the 
45-year-old Hittson, a former Navy crewman who was convicted in the 1992 murder 
of a fellow sailor.

Hittson's lawyers contend his constitutional rights were violated during 
sentencing when a judge allowed a state psychologist who had examined Hittson 
to recount damaging statements Hittson had made about Utterbeck.

Also on Tuesday, the state Board of Pardons and Paroles rejected a clemency 
petition from Hittson.

(source: Associated Press)






MISSOURI:

Senator Parson Speaks on Capital Punishment


The Missouri Senate spent considerable time debating a measure this week that 
would abolish the death penalty in Missouri. It was the 1st discussion on the 
topic in recent years. Senator Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, strongly opposed the 
measure, citing support of the victims' families and loved-ones.

Senate Bill 816, sponsored by Sen. Paul Wieland, R-Imperial, repeals the 
punishment of death for 1st degree murder. Additionally, anyone sentenced to 
death before Aug. 28, 2016, would be sentenced to life imprisonment without 
parole.

Senator Parson, a former sheriff, stressed the importance of remembering who 
the real victims are in 1st-degree murder cases.

"When this topic is debated, folks want you to believe the killers on death row 
are the victims," said Sen. Parson.

"When a crime so atrocious is committed it warrants the consideration of 
capital punishment, we can't forget about the victims' families, and the pain 
they've endured by a senseless act of violence," continued Sen. Parson. "I've 
seen crime scenes. I've witnessed unimaginable things. If a person is willing 
to violently take another's life, they should pay the price established in this 
state. They should not get a free pass to spend the rest of their natural life 
in the relative comfort of a prison, paid for by the taxpayers."

"I've heard from very few people who are in favor of abolishing the death 
penalty in this state," said Sen. Parson. "As a pro-life advocate, I understand 
the sanctity of life. This is something different, though. These are brutal 
crimes where victims suffered. I will always stand on the side of victims and 
support the death penalty in Missouri. I appreciate the debate, but this issue 
comes down to a very personal sense of justice. For me, the choice is simple, 
the death penalty is an appropriate punishment for the worst crimes."

Senator Parson spoke on this topic on the floor on the Missouri Senate. You can 
view his remarks by clicking on the following link 
http://www.senate.mo.gov/senator-mike-parson-opposes-repealing-the-death-penalty/

(source: Missouri Times)