Missouri executed Brian Dorsey on Tuesday for the 2006 murders of his cousin Sarah Bonnie and her husband Benjamin Bonnie, following unsuccessful efforts to spare his life.
The execution was carried out via lethal injection at 6:11 p.m., according to the Missouri Department of Corrections.
Earlier, the US Supreme Court declined to intervene, and Missouri’s Governor Mike Parson denied clemency, stating that executing Dorsey would deliver justice and closure.
Dorsey’s attorneys argued for clemency, citing his remorse, rehabilitation in prison, and alleged attorney conflicts during trial.
In a final statement, Dorsey expressed deep remorse and apologized to the victims’ families and his supporters.
However, family members of the victims supported the execution, describing Dorsey’s actions as a profound betrayal.
The murders occurred in December 2006, after Dorsey called his cousin for help with alleged drug dealers. Later that night, he fatally shot Sarah and Benjamin Bonnie in their home.
Dorsey was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death, which was upheld on appeal.
Despite Dorsey’s remorse and trial defense arguments, the execution proceeded as scheduled, with Governor Parson emphasizing the severity of the crime committed.
Jenni Gerhauser, a cousin to both Dorsey and Sarah Bonnie, expressed difficulty accepting the execution, believing it was unnecessary given Dorsey’s remorse and personal circumstances.
Dorsey’s attorneys argued that substance abuse and a flawed trial defense contributed to an unjust sentence. They highlighted Dorsey’s remorse and rehabilitation during his incarceration.
The execution marks the end of a lengthy legal battle, with Dorsey’s supporters and victims’ families divided over the appropriate outcome for the crimes committed.
