EXECUTION #19

Robert L. Newland
Executed March 10, 2008 07:35 p.m. by Lethal Injection in Georgia
19th murderer executed in U.S. in 2009
1155th murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
1st murderer executed in Georgia in 2009
44th murderer executed in Georgia since 1976
Summary:
Newland lived with his girlfriend, across the street from the victim, 27 year old Carol Beatty. After a night of drinking, Newland appeared at Beatty's home and asked her to come outside. Beatty came out and petitioner attempted to kiss her. She refused, and told him to go home. When he again attempted to kiss her, she scratched and slapped him. Newland then drew a knife and slashed her neck and stabbed her repeatedly. In the hospital, shortly before her death, Beatty identified Newland as her attacker. Upon arrest, Newland gave a complete confession.
Final Meal:
Newland declined a special last-meal request. Instead, he was served the regular meal tray, which consisted of chicken and rice, carrots, collard greens, rolls, bread putting and iced tea.
Final Words:
Newland expressed remorse for killing his "good friend." "I'm sorry this happened. I wish I could go back to that day. I have no grudges against anybody. I still don't remember what happened, but what happened happened." A few minutes after his final statement, he continued talking again after the death chamber's microphone had been turned off. But his words were only heard by the warden, security officers and medical staffers behind the soundproof glass window.
The Execution
He was the first person executed in Georgia this year. The injection was administered at 7:20 p.m. and he was pronounced dead at 7:35.