Convicted killer who refused appeal is executed
ATMORE, Alabama (AP) -- A convicted killer who refused to file any appeals, saying he was guilty and wanted to die for his crime, was executed by injection Thursday.
David Kevin Hocker, 33, was the second death row inmate executed in Alabama this year and the 30th since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1977.
"I swear by you, Lord Jesus Christ my savior, that my time should be no longer. The mystery of life shall be finished. Amen," Hocker said when asked if he had any final words.
Hocker's mother, Patricia Yeomans, did not talk to reporters after the execution, but released a statement saying her son had found peace on death row after a troubled life of mental problems and drug abuse.
"Once Kevin started reading the Bible his anger just disappeared. He became positive about his life," Yeomans said.
Hocker was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1998 stabbing death and robbery of his boss, Jerry W. Robinson, 47, at his structural steel detailing company.
Hocker did not attempt to file any appeals in the final days leading up to the execution and did not ask Gov. Bob Riley for clemency.
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