Alabama executes murderer despite wishes of victim’s family

The state of Alabama executed Joe Nathan James Jr., 50, by lethal injection Thursday night for murdering his ex-girlfriend in 1994. At trial, prosecutors said James stalked and harassed Faith Hall, 26, for months before shooting her three times. A jury in 1999 found him guilty of capital murder. James requested to stay the execution Wednesday. But Alabama representatives argued that the request was submitted too late, and said James shouldn’t be rewarded for trying to “game the system.” The Supreme Court rejected his plea 30 minutes before the execution.

What did Hall’s family think? Hall’s daughters and brother spoke out publicly against the execution in the weeks leading up to it. “I just feel like we can’t play God,” Hall’s daughter, Terryln Hall, said. “And it’s not going to bring my mom back.” Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey stood by the execution, citing her responsibility to the law, public safety, and justice. “Alabama stands with victims of domestic violence,” she said.

Dig Deeper: Read Carolina Lumetta’s report in the Sift about the Supreme Court case deciding whether Texas should allow outside clergy to touch or pray over prisoners during their executions.