Calls for clemency have not sufficed in the case of Ernest Johnson, 61, who was convicted of killing three people during a convenience store robbery in 1994.
Activists have called for Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to grant Johnson clemency, citing his mental disability as the main reason. However, “The state is prepared to deliver justice and carry out the lawful sentence Mr. Johnson received in accordance with the Missouri Supreme Court’s order,” said Parson in a statement issued on Monday.
In addition to activists hoping to force Parson to commute Johnson's sentence, Pope Francis sent a statement to Parson stating that the pontiff “wishes to place before you the simple fact of Mr. Johnson’s humanity and the sacredness of all human life.”
According to reports, Johnson admitted to killing Mary Bratcher, 46, and employees Mabel Scruggs, 57, and Fred Jones, 58 by beating them to death with a claw hammer and shooting them. He subsequently hid their bodies in a walk-in freezer before making off with $443. When police found him, they recovered the stolen cash and discovered coin wrappers, partially burned checks, and tennis shoes matching bloody shoeprints found inside the store.
“The evidence showed Mr. Johnson went to great lengths to plan and conceal his crime,” Parson said in a statement. “Three juries have reviewed Mr. Johnson’s case and recommended a sentence of death. Mr. Johnson’s claim that he is not competent to be executed has been reviewed and rejected by a jury and the courts six different times, including a unanimous decision by the Missouri Supreme Court. Mr. Johnson has received due process under the laws in the state trial court, Missouri Supreme Court, federal district court, 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.”
Source: nydailynews.com
