Gov. Hutchinson asked to set execution dates for eight on death row

The execution dates for eight men who are on Arkansas’ death row is one step closer to happening. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge sent a letter to Gov. Asa Hutchinson, requesting that the dates be set.

In a statement Tuesday, Rutledge said the men, who were each convicted of capital murder, should have their death sentences carried out.

“I have asked the Governor to set execution dates for eight inmates on death row. These individuals were sentenced to death for the heinous crimes they committed. It is far past time that the sentences be carried out and justice served,” Rutledge said. “I urge the Governor to move forward with setting execution dates as quickly as possible.”

J.R. Davis, a spokesman for Hutchinson, said the governor received the letter about 5 p.m. Monday.

While no specific timeline has been set for the execution dates, Davis said Hutchinson has said in the past that he would like to move as quickly as possible on setting the dates.

BACKGROUND
According to the Arkansas Department of Correction inmate search website, the eight death row inmates each were convicted of capital murder.

In Arkansas, a person convicted of capital murder may face either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Capital murder is often sought by prosecutors when another crime, like kidnapping or rape, is committed in connection with a murder.

There are 39 inmates on death row in Arkansas, the database noted. The eight inmates recommended by Rutledge, their crimes and their sentencing dates are:
• Bruce Edward Ward, 58. Ward was convicted in October 1997 of capital murder in Pulaski County.

• Don William Davis, 52. Davis was convicted in March 1992 of capital murder (habitual offender), burglary and theft.

• Jack Edward Jones, 51. Jones was convicted in April 1996 of capital murder, rape and criminal attempt to commit capital murder.

• Jason McGehee, 39. McGehee was convicted in January 1998 of capital murder and kidnapping in Boone County.

• Kenneth Williams, 36. Williams was convicted of three counts of capital murder (September 1999 in Jefferson County, August 2000 in Lincoln County and December 2005 in Jefferson County). According to the database, Williams was listed as serving prison time for kidnapping, arson, two counts of aggravated robbery, three counts of theft, first-degree escape and second-degree battery.

• Marcel Williams, 45. Williams was convicted of capital murder in January 1997 in Pulaski County. The database also showed convictions on six counts of burglary, two counts of theft, two counts of aggravated robbery, one count of rape and one count of kidnapping.

• Stacey E. Johnson, 45. Johnson was convicted of capital murder in November 1997 in Sevier County.

• Terrick Nooner, 44. Nooner was convicted of capital murder in September 1993 in Pulaski County. Nooner was also convicted of two counts of theft by receiving and a possession of a firearm charge in Pulaski County in August 1991 as well as aggravated robbery in Saline County in November 1993.