Frederick Teesh, who fatally shot an adult bookstore security guard at the end of a multi state crime spree nearly 20 years ago, was pronounced dead after a single powerful dose of pentobarbital, according to USA Today. Treesh's attorneys argued accepted that he accepted responsibility for the killing but it was an unintentional consequence of a struggle for a gun while he was high on cocaine.
Prosecutors were contending that he Treesh intentionally murdered Henry Dupree in 1994, and tried to kill others, including the police officers in pursuit,
Ohio is one of more than 30 U.S. states with the death penalty, and Treesh was the 50th inmate put to death by the state since it resumed executions in 1999.
Before the execution commenced, Treesh, in a last statement, apologized for the death of Dupree, adding, "if you want me murdered, just say it." Ohio Governor John Kasich denied clemency to Treesh last week, following the recommendation of the state parole board, which ruled unanimously last month that the evidence showed Dupree was seate when shot and had not shown any sign of being a threat to Treesh.
The board also sai Treesh's decision to shoot a clerk in the face as he left the store suggests Treesh's "murderous intent" when coming to the store.
Prosecutors say Treesh and a co-defendant robbed banks and businesses, committed sexual assaults, stole cars, committed carjackings and shot someone to death in a Michigan robbery during a spree that also took them to Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Treesh's attorneys described him as a cocaine addict who was high during the robbery and is deeply sorry for what happened.
His lawyers also alleged Treesh's rights were violated during a prolonged interrogation as he was coming down from a drug high, which contributed to his death sentence.
Treesh declined to be interviewed by the parole board. The board cited Treesh's refusal to be interviewed as evidence he has not grown or improved as a person in prison.
Treesh's prison behavior is indicative of "a self-indulgent, petulant and immature individual," the board concluded.
