South Carolina man executed
COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) -- A man convicted of killing two women while looking for money 12 years ago was executed Friday in South Carolina's electric chair.
James Neil Tucker, 47, was pronounced dead at 6:11 p.m. He was the first person to die by electrocution in more than a year.
Tucker was remorseful in a final statement read to witnesses by his attorney: "To those I hurt, I offer my deepest apologies and regrets. I am ashamed," the statement said.
Tucker was convicted of killing 54-year-old Rosa Lee "Dolly" Oakley in her home in June 1992. He stole $14 from Oakley, then shot her twice in the head. He said he needed money to help his pregnant wife.
Tucker was convicted of killing 21-year-old Shannon Mellon six days after killing Oakley. Her hands and legs had been bound and she was shot three times in the head. Tucker took her car and $20.
Tucker was the first person on death row to be executed by electrocution since Eric Bramblett on April 9, 2003, in Virginia, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. He was the first to die in the electric chair in South Carolina since 1996.
Condemned inmates in South Carolina currently receive lethal injection, but those sentenced before June 1995 are electrocuted unless they choose injection. Tucker's lawyer said he felt if he made a choice, he would be condoning his own death.
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