Today, Schwab was put to death by lethal injection at 6:15 p.m.
The execution was the initial test of Florida's new lethal injection procedure, which was instituted after Angel Diaz died in December 2006. Needles to inject the deadly chemicals into Diaz missed their mark and he suffered burns and extreme pain.
Schwab, 39, unsuccessfully challenged Florida's new execution procedure, claiming it could also cause pain and suffering. He was executed for the 1991 death of Junny Rios-Martinez of Cocoa.
Outside the prison where the execution took place, the boy's family clapped and cheered when they heard the news that Schwab had died.
No execution is complete without death penalty opponents standing by, but to give them credit, they left the family alone and simply had a prayer vigil.
I am not sure Schwab, after committing such a heinous crime deserved their prayers, but they did not interfere with the family who wore white T-shirts with his picture on the front and with the words "JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED" across the back.
I have always been ambivalent about the state executions and I used to be against them very firmly, but as the years go by and I have seen some of the most horrendous crimes being committed, I have come to believe that an eye for an eye is entirely appropriate.
I still think the state shouldn't do it but the perpetrator after their trial or trials and after the appeal process is complete, should simply be handed over to the family.
Then, to me, it wold be an eye for an eye.
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