Attorney General's News Release

Oct. 13, 1997

Nixon calls for change in execution times from midnight to 6 p.m.

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today called for a change in the time of executions in Missouri. Executions currently are scheduled for 12:01 a.m. at the Potosi Correctional Center; Nixon is calling for a change in Missouri law that would set executions for 6 p.m.

"This is a common-sense change," Nixon said. "Judges should not have to weigh these complicated and literally life or death matters at 1 a.m. It's time to take what is a very difficult part of the judicial process out of the middle of the night and allow these decisions and implications to be played out in a more normal setting."

Nixon said an earlier execution time also would provide more opportunity for the families of victims to attend. "The drive to Potosi is often a long distance for many of these families, especially the ones who have financial problems," Nixon said. "An earlier execution time could help alleviate this hardship as they seek to bring some sort of closure to their loss."

Several states, including Arizona, Texas and Virginia, have recently changed to an earlier execution time, and others are studying the issue. Nixon added that a change also could save overtime costs for the state in paying for the personnel who must be on hand for executions.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818