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Texas Executes 400th Inmate

More set to die next week as capital punishment opponents call for moratorium

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 23, 2007 8:25 AM CDT

(Newser) – Texas has executed its 400th inmate since reinstating the death penalty 25 years ago, putting a convicted murderer to death by lethal injection last night. Johnny Ray Conner is the 21st prisoner to be sent to death this year, with three more slated to follow next week. Capital punishment opponents voiced their opposition—even EU officials urged Gov. Rick Perry to impose a moratorium.

Conner was convicted of a 1999 shooting during an attempted robbery in Houston; the Supreme Court denied to review his claim that his lawyers were defective. A spokesman for the Texas governor rejected the international criticisms, calling the death penalty "a just and appropriate punishment."

Dyamond Alexander, sister of Johnny Ray Conner, is consoled by James Alexander, after hearing of the execution of Johnny Ray Conner, Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007, at the Huntsville Unit in Huntsville, Texas. The Texas execution was the 400th in the United States' most active death penalty state since the U....
Dyamond Alexander, sister of Johnny Ray Conner, is consoled by James Alexander, after hearing of the execution of Johnny Ray Conner, Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007, at the Huntsville Unit in Huntsville, Texas....   (Associated Press)
Nebraska's electric chair is seen in Lincoln, Neb., Monday, April 16, 2007. The Nebraska Supreme Court's split decision Wednesday, May 2, 2007, to halt Carey Dean Moore's execution could present the strongest chance to eliminate electrocution in the last state where the chair is the sole means of capital punishment....
Nebraska's electric chair is seen in Lincoln, Neb., Monday, April 16, 2007. The Nebraska Supreme Court's split decision Wednesday, May 2, 2007, to halt Carey Dean Moore's execution could present the strongest...   (Associated Press)
Sisters of death row inmate Johnny Ray Conner, Dyamond Alexander, Felicia Conner and Stephanie Conner, from left, leave the Wallace Unit after the execution of Johnny Ray Conner Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007, at the Huntsville Unit in Huntsville, Texas. The Texas execution was the 400th in the United States' most...
Sisters of death row inmate Johnny Ray Conner, Dyamond Alexander, Felicia Conner and Stephanie Conner, from left, leave the Wallace Unit after the execution of Johnny Ray Conner Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007,...   (Associated Press)
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