A death row inmate refused his final meal, instead opting to snack on M&Ms and barbecue flavoured crisps, washing them down with Coca-Cola.

Willie B Smith was executed by lethal injection on Thursday evening in the US state of Alabama, after being convicted of the 1991 kidnap and murder of Sharma Ruth Johnson, a police officer’s sister.

Smith abducted Johnson at gunpoint at a cash machine in Birmingham and then shot her dead after stealing less than $80 from her, the Daily Mirror reports.

Governor Kay Ivey said after the execution: "Sharma Ruth Johnson was abducted at gunpoint, threatened while in the trunk of the car, terrorised, assaulted, and ultimately, Willie B Smith brutally killed her.

"In that final moment of this young lady’s short life, Mr Smith, after learning Ms Johnson was related to a law enforcement officer, made the choice to put a shotgun to her head, stealing this woman’s future.

"Even after these heinous crimes were committed, Mr Smith made the choice to burn the vehicle to hide his fingerprints.

"He knew full well he was doing wrong. This was an absolutely horrendous act against Ms Johnson. It is also an attack on our men and women in blue.

"In dealing with this unimaginable and tragic loss, her loved ones have endured years of Mr Smith attempting to avoid due punishment and then a delayed execution earlier this year.

To stay up to date with all the latest news, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.

"Mr Smith had more time on death row than Ms Johnson had in this life."

Governor Ivey added: "The evidence in this case was overwhelming, and justice has been rightfully served.

"The carrying out of Mr Smith’s sentence sends the message that the state of Alabama will not tolerate these murderous acts. I pray that the loved ones of Ms Johnson can be closer to finding peace."

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall added: "Finally, the cruel and unusual punishment that has been inflicted upon them – a decades-long denial of justice – has come to an end."

Source: Read Full Article