Executions in Texas and Alabama
Two inmates who had been on death row for years in Texas and Alabama were executed on Thursday evening, just minutes apart.
Jeffrey Todd West, 50, was executed via nitrogen hypoxia at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama, despite pleas for mercy from the victim’s son.
West was sentenced to death in 1999 for the murder of Margaret Parish Berry, a 33-year-old mother of two.
During his time in prison, he often expressed his guilt, and over the years, he formed a connection with Berry’s family.
Will, Berry’s son, stated, “I forgive this guy, and I don’t want him to die. I don’t want revenge in my name or my mother’s in my family.”
When given the chance to say something at the execution, West remained silent. He was strapped to a gurney and had a gas mask placed over his face. Just as the execution began, he gestured at his lawyer, almost as if to express a last thought, before nitrogen was administered. Within two minutes, he started to breathe rapidly, his head tilted, his hand clenched, and he appeared to froth at the mouth.
His eyes remained open throughout, and he was pronounced dead at 6:22 PM, 26 minutes after the nitrogen was first administered.
Leading up to his death, West exchanged letters filled with remorse and sought forgiveness from Berry’s family. They attempted to intercede on his behalf, but their requests were denied.
West also reached out to Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, who had denied his appeals, emphasizing her obligation to uphold the law.
In a statement relayed by his lawyer, West expressed regret to Berry’s family, acknowledging the humility he felt from Will’s forgiveness.
Baptized last year, West concluded, “I am at peace because I know where I’m going and look forward to seeing Mrs. Berry.”
Meanwhile, across the state line, 35-year-old Blaine Milam was executed shortly after West in Texas.
Milam received a lethal injection for the horrific murder of Amora Carson, the 13-month-old daughter of his girlfriend. At just 18 years old, Milam and his partner faced separate charges after the child’s tragic death.
Prosecutors claimed Milam inflicted brutal injuries on the toddler, using a hammer, and subjected her to further torment over more than 30 hours, believing she was possessed during a misguided “exorcism.”
Amora sustained multiple fractures, and the exact cause of death was complex due to the extensive injuries she endured, as testified by pathologists during the trial.
In his final words, Milam reached out to those witnessing, urging them to accept Jesus Christ as their savior.
Both of Milam’s previous execution dates in 2019 and 2021 were delayed, and his last appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was rejected just hours before his execution.
So far this year, 33 individuals have been executed in the United States, with three more executions expected, while one elderly inmate passed away from natural causes on death row.
