Brian Dorsey, a Missouri man convicted of murder, was executed by lethal injection on Tuesday in a state prison, as confirmed by his attorney Kirk Henderson, who witnessed the execution.
Dorsey, 52, had been sentenced to death for the 2006 killing of his cousin and her husband.
His case garnered national attention due to the support he received from over 70 correctional officers advocating for commutation, citing his rehabilitation and inadequate legal representation.
Despite appeals and a clemency request, both of which were denied, Dorsey's execution proceeded.
He expressed profound remorse in a final statement, acknowledging the gravity of his actions.
His attorneys argued that he was in a drug-induced psychosis at the time of the crime and highlighted his positive conduct during his time in prison, where he worked as a barber and remained trouble-free.
Dorsey's case also raised concerns about execution protocols, particularly regarding potential pain during the process due to his health conditions.
His attorneys argued that his diabetes, obesity, and history of drug use could complicate the lethal injection process, potentially leading to extreme pain.
The state agreed to take measures to minimize the risk of such pain, allowing Dorsey's execution to proceed.