EXECUTION #23

William Mark Mize
Executed April 29, 2009 07:28 p.m. by Lethal Injection in Georgia
23rd murderer executed in U.S. in 2009
1159th murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
2nd murderer executed in Georgia in 2009
45th murderer executed in Georgia since 1976
Summary:
Mize was the leader of a small white supremicist group. Eddie Tucker had applied for admission into the group and went driving with several members one evening. Mize suggested they burn down a "crack house," and directed Tucker and another man to start a fire with lighter fluid. The attempt was unsuccessful. Mize then drove to a wooded area, where he Hattrup, and Tucker walked in front of the group into the woods. Three shots rang out and only Mize and Hattrup emerged. Mize later admitted to friends that he and Hattrup had shot Tucker with a shotgun. Hattrup and another member pleaded guilty and now are serving life sentences in prison.
Final Meal:
Steak, fried chicken breast, baked potato, salad, garlic bread, a pint of butter pecan ice cream, half a pecan pie and soda.
Final Words:
Mize, in his final statement to a room of about 25 witnesses, accused the Oconee County Sheriff's Office of setting him up. He said Hattrup tried to take responsibility "but the courts have never heard him. I saw my friend killed by another friend. I'm here because of a travesty of justice. It's on their hands, not mine. I'm ready."
The Execution
The 52-year-old inmate was pronounced dead at 7:28 p.m. by authorities.