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When the execution fails...
 
 

Photo-documentation:

 

 Alpha Otis O'Daniel Stephens was convicted of the 1974 murder of Roy Asbell, who was taken to a remote field and shot twice in the ear after he interrupted a burglary at his son's home. Stephens was executed on December 12, 1984. He was 39 years old.

The RealAudio file below is a recording of the execution of Alpha Otis O'Daniel Stephens. It has been shortened considerably for broadcast. The actual electrocution lasted more than 20 minutes.

Execution of Alpha Otis O'Daniel Stephens (RealAudio file, 3:49 min.)

Dick Pettys of the Associated Press described the Stephens execution this way:

"Seconds after a mask was placed over [Stephens's] head, the first jolt was applied, causing his body to snap forward and his fists to clench. His body slumped when the current stopped two minutes later, but shortly afterward, witnesses saw him struggle to breathe. During the required six minutes in which the body was allowed to cool before doctors could examine it, Stephens took about 23 breaths. At 12:26 a.m., two doctors examined Stephens and said he was alive. At the second jolt, administered at 12:28 a.m., Stephens again snapped upright. The charge was discontinued at 12:30 a.m., and at 12:36 a.m., he was pronounced dead."

Georgia's General Assembly changed the state's method of execution to lethal injection in 2000. However, it did so only for those who committed capital crimes after May 1, 2000. All inmates who were on deathrow at the time are still subject to electrocution.

 

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