The Grey Lady looks at the death penalty debate in Missouri as the state prepares to execute a prisoner for the first time since 2005.At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Dennis J. Skillicorn is to be executed for his role in the murder of a businessman in 1994. He was not believed to be the gunman.
The N.Y. Times notes: "In the final days of the state legislative session in Jefferson City last week, a death penalty moratorium was rejected, but the House, which Republicans control, passed a provision calling for a commission to study the question. House leaders say their chamber’s vote sent a signal to Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat in his first term, who has yet to issue a decision on Mr. Skillicorn’s request for clemency."
"He is not the one who actually killed the person, and that just says to me: ‘Whoa! Let’s take a step back,’ ” said State Representative Steven Tilley, the Republican leader.
Mr. Nixon declined interview requests. His aides said he was giving Mr. Skillicorn’s clemency request “a full and fair review.”
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ALSO: Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty are planning a vigil Tuesday night at 7 p.m. to pray for Skillicorn. The vigil will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on 2818 East Bennett in Springfield.
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