Missouri Execution - The State of Missouri has on Wednesday executed a man convicted of killing a gas station attendant in front of the victim's 8 year-old-stepdaughter during a robbery in Kansas City on April 14th, 1994.
56 years old Leon Taylor was given a lethal injection at the Missouri state prison. His time of death was given at 12:22 a.m., according to the Missouri Department of Corrections spokesman Mike O'Connell.
During the robbery, which occurred at a Missouri gas station, Leon Taylor shot 53 years old Robert Newton in the head. He also tried to shoot Newton's stepdaughter, who witnessed the murder, but reports say his gun jammed. He then locked her in a room and escaped.
Leon Taylor robbed the store with his half-sister Tina Owens. The pair made away with $400. Court records indicate that cops arrested Leon Taylor a week after the robbery and murder.
There had been attempts to stay the Missouri execution of Leon Taylor. But the U.S. Supreme Court has rejected the request without further comments. Leon Taylor's legal team also sought clemency from Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and the request was denied.
"Leon Taylor did more than just rob the store. He robbed our family, my brother, forever," Dennis Smith, Newton's half brother said in a statement regarding the Missouri execution.
"Almost 7,500 days have passed and finally tonight justice was served," Smith added.
According to the Death Penalty Information Center, the state of Missouri has executed eight inmates prior to Taylor in 2014. He is the 33rd person to be executed in country this year.
The Corrections Department has revealed that Leon Taylor choose eggs, donuts, bacon and an orange drink for his last meal before the Missouri execution. He also left a hand written note directed to Newton's family, in which he apologized for taking the victim's life.
"I am sorry that our lives had to entwine so tragically. I pray that the lord will give you peace and continue to comfort you in His love,' Leon Taylor wrote.
"I am sorry to have brought all of you to this point in my life to witness this and/or participate," he added.
Four of Newton's family members attended the Missouri execution. Afterwards they told reporters that Newton was a hard working and generous man. They also said they missed his memorable laugh.
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