So, I got offered a chance to see someone get killed....

[Byrd Man]

This is a thread I have in the community, and I know very few of you actually go there, so I want my fellow RPers thoughts.

Anyways, in case some of you don't know, I'm a news reporter for a radio station in rural Georgia.

I got an email today from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters and Georgia Department of Corrections to witness an execution in two weeks.

On April 28th, they're putting this guy to death for a murder he committed in 1994 and they need two media witnesses.

While, on one hand I think it would be sick and something horrible to see, a part of me thinks this could be a damn good news story.

So, I throw my mercy on the community, what would you do?

Here's some backstory on the guy they plan on killing...



The state plans to execute an Athens-area man later this month for murdering a follower of his small white supremacist group more than a decade ago.

William Mark Mize will be put to death by lethal injection at 7 p.m. April 28 unless state officials agree to commute his sentence or pardon him. He would be the second person executed this year in Georgia.

The state Department of Corrections scheduled Mize's death Monday, shortly after an Oconee County Superior Court judge ordered that the execution happen between April 28 and May 5.

Mize, 52, has been on Georgia's death row in Jackson since 1995, when an Oconee County jury convicted him in the shooting death of Eddie Tucker of Hull.

A former Ku Klux Klan member, Mize led a small Klan-like group called the National Vastilian Aryan Party.

He shot Tucker with a shotgun, execution-style, in October 1994 after Tucker didn't carry out an order to burn down a crack house in Athens, state prosecutors said.

Before Mize is executed, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles will conduct a clemency hearing.

The board will meet with his Macon attorney, Franklin J. Hogue, on Thursday and with Mize next week, Hogue said.

Hogue, who was appointed to the case by a federal judge in 2001, said Monday he hadn't spoken with his client about the scheduled execution but assumed Mize was aware of the date.

Mize has appealed his conviction several times to state and federal courts, unsuccessfully. Most recently, the U.S. Supreme Court refused on March 23 to review the case.

"He's consistently maintained his innocence from the day of his arrest to this minute," Hogue said.

Three other Mize followers were arrested and charged with murdering Tucker in a wooded area of Oconee County in October 1994.

Two of them, Christopher Hattrup and Terry Mark Allen, were convicted and now are serving life sentences in prison. Prosecutors dropped charges against Mize's girlfriend, Samantha Doster, who testified against Mize during his trial.

According to court records, Mize and several NVAP members gathered at Mize's home on Oct. 15, 1994, and they later left to go camping. On the way, Mize told the group there was a crack house in Athens that he wanted "gotten rid of."

Hattrup and Tucker were supposed to set the house on fire but didn't, and Hattrup later told Mize they "didn't need anybody around that couldn't follow orders," referring to Tucker.

The group stayed at a bar until it was dark, then drove to the Oconee County woods and walked in without a flashlight. Tucker, Hattrup and Mize got ahead of the rest of the group, who testified they heard a shot and Tucker say, "My God, what did you do that for?"

After a second shot, Doster heard Hattrup ask Mize if he had the gun and Mize replied, "No, man. I thought you had it."

"No. He took it away from me," Hattrup said, and then Mize said, "If you can't finish it, I can."

Allen then moved up the trail and talked with Mize and Hattrup about muscle spasms and how Tucker was still moving. Then there was a third shot.

Back at the car, Mize came out of the woods holding the shotgun, then asked the others "if they knew why it was done," according to court records. Everyone nodded agreement, and Mize said the same thing could happen to them if they ran their mouths.

Doster testified later that Mize confided in her that he had finished Tucker off by shooting him in the head.

But Doster since has recanted her testimony, and Mize has tried to assert his innocence, claiming Hattrup did all the shooting.

Since his conviction, Hattrup also has made sworn statements that he alone killed Tucker after the two got in a drunken argument and that Mize didn't order the killing.

Last year, however, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals found Hattrup's statements "wholly unconvincing," in part because he contradicted himself about who fired which shots at Tucker.

"This internal contradiction on a crucial point suggests that, at best, Hattrup has an incomplete memory of the incident (perhaps because of his admitted drunkenness), and at worst is lying in order to help his friend Mize," the court said.

Shall I RSVP yes or no?

[SenseiofCheese]

I read up until where it said he was a white supremacist. Go for it.

[Venom160]

Go for it dude. Off with his head! Hell ask if you can perform the execution.

[Byrd Man]

The only thing that makes it a maybe is the fact that it is lethal injection, instead of the electric chair or hanging. And also, the guy is a racist turd. I am a bit worried about the fact that he may be innocent of this crime, but I'm sure he has done other awful things to make up for it if he is not guilty.

[Venom160]

Eh guilty or not one less skinhead in the world is always a good thing.

[Byrd Man]

Eh guilty or not one less skinhead in the world is always a good thing.

But personally, would you want to go see it? Even if he's not a member of your family or friend, just some murderer you have no feelings toward?

[Venom160]

Personally yeah I would. Way I see it if you've takin another life than you deserve to be put down like an animal.

[Spike_x1]

I'd bring popcorn if they'd let me.

[Byrd Man]

I'd bring popcorn if they'd let me.

Now if they were giving him the chair, I could just bring an upopped bag and let him hold it for me.

[SenseiofCheese]

You know, the more I think about it, I don't think I would go.

I think the guy SHOULD be executed, if only because I have a special hatred towards racists, but I'd be content in my knowledge that the guy was put down like the animal he is. I most likely wouldn't go see it for myself.

[Optikal]

It's a heavy story to have under your belt. If nothing else, it'll be good experience for your career.

[Cunning Stunts]

Do it. I don't believe in the death penalty, but seeing someone actually die is a life-altering experience, and puts a new spin on a lot of things for you.

[SuperFerret]

I can't answer for you, but I wouldn't go to watch. It's just morbid.

[Spike_x1]

Just go and watch it, you sissy!

[twylight]

I already told you; it's something you'll have to decide for yourself and I think the only real question is: can you handle the psychological effect it might have on you?

[Byrd Man]

FINE! I'll email the dude from GAB and the lady from the Department of Corrections. I probably won't be picked to be a witness, but I'll do it! :csad:

[Matt Murdock]

I wouldn't watch. While I'm not against the death penalty, I'm a proponent of 'out of sight, out of mind.' I've seen one person die in my lifetime already. That's enough. Though, the decision is yours, of course.

[Venom160]

FINE! I'll email the dude from GAB and the lady from the Department of Corrections. I probably won't be picked to be a witness, but I'll do it! :csad:atta byrd!

[Ol'Canucklehead]

There is nothing wrong with watching justice. Alot of people lose sight of that, we constantly say how we wish they would "kill" some evil individual for something they've done, but forget that its a whole different thing to pull the switch or watch. If anything I think it will be an enlightening experience for you to see the real life punishment for something like murder, its an eye opening experience.....well as long as you don't close your eyes.

[SuperFerret]

Death isn't an easy thing to watch. I only recommend that it's done only if necessary.

[Spike_x1]

Perhaps it's because I'm specifically medicated to be apathetic to a great deal of things, but I honestly can't even picture myself having second thoughts about watching the execution of a White supremacist cult leading murderer, if I were ever given the chance.

[SenseiofCheese]

There is nothing wrong with watching justice.

That's a bit of a shaky statement. I mean, watching someone get arrested for stealing a purse and watching someone else get executed aren't really on the same level.

I agree with SF when he says going to watch would be morbid. Some have to, because it's their jobs. Some, victim's families and such, have to, to get closure. But to want to go and see another human being get killed, regardless of what that human being has done, is, like SF said, a little morbid.

But that said, I still think the guy SHOULD be executed. Like MM said, 'out of sight, out of mind'.

[Matt Murdock]

And, here I was thinking our Bromance was dead. :heart:

[SuperFerret]

And, here I was thinking our Bromance was dead. :heart:

Use that word again and not only will I watch your death, I'll cause it. :heart:

[Ol'Canucklehead]

That's a bit of a shaky statement. I mean, watching someone get arrested for stealing a purse and watching someone else get executed aren't really on the same level.

I agree with SF when he says going to watch would be morbid. Some have to, because it's their jobs. Some, victim's families and such, have to, to get closure. But to want to go and see another human being get killed, regardless of what that human being has done, is, like SF said, a little morbid.

But that said, I still think the guy SHOULD be executed. Like MM said, 'out of sight, out of mind'.


Shaky.....maybe, but thats the world. Do I think that those two are the same thing, no way. I do believe that seeing someone who deserves to die being put to death is a profound experience. Lethal punishment for the right reasons is a natural thing. We see enough unwarented deaths in the world as it is, family, strangers, children, all on the news, in movies, or in person and our natural response is "why them?" "why did they have to die?" So in turn I think its important for there to be a balance, to bear witness to justified death. It changes you, makes you realize that the bad guys don't always get away or get off easy, it reminds you that there is still justice in the world and not every murderer gets free or gets a comfy cell with HBO.

In my time I've seen enough on both sides, I've lost those close to me and thought that the world was cruel and unjust, and then I have seen the evil scum of this earth put down before my very eyes and was reminded that not everyone gets away. I think that if you live 'out of sight out of mind' than you blind yourself to the real world. Its that real world that soilders see every day, that isn't shown to you on the news because only the terrible stories sell. If you live only with what you've heard, and make no atempt to experience, than you are cheating yourself and will regret it later.

Thats just my two cents.

[Venom160]

:applaud

[Phaedrus45]

Would I do it? No way. It will be an image you have for the rest of your life. I hear from people who have looked at some of the violent images that have been so easy to find on the internet, like the beheading of that one guy in Iraq, and they wish they'd never opened that file.

My question for you would be what do you truly gain by seeing such a thing? Also, to view anyone's death, even someone who has commited vile acts, as "a damn good news story" is almost just a sickening. For me, a damn good news story is to not sensationalize this man in any way.

[Venom160]

edit. nvm.

[Snapper_Carr]

Hell...I can show you that. Come stand by this mirror.

Seriously, it's not cool like the movies. Trust me.

[Byrd Man]

Also, to view anyone's death, even someone who has commited vile acts, as "a damn good news story" is almost just a sickening. For me, a damn good news story is to not sensationalize this man in any way.

I think intervieiwing the State Attorney General and getting a quote on this man's death, as well as the whole Capital Punishment ordeal is a good news story.

[Phaedrus45]

I think intervieiwing the State Attorney General and getting a quote on this man's death, as well as the whole Capital Punishment ordeal is a good news story.

Yeah, but do you have to see a person killed in order to get this? I would think the State Attorney General would be happy enough to give someone a quote on this man's death without having to do that.

[Byrd Man]

Yeah, but do you have to see a person killed in order to get this? I would think the State Attorney General would be happy enough to give someone a quote on this man's death without having to do that.


Well, I told the Georgia DOC and the guy from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters I would do it. If I want to stay in news, I need to get used to death. So, I'm approaching this like I approach every news story, without bias or prejudice. May be weird to see someone getting killed, but death is a part of life, so I better get used to it.

[Matt Murdock]

Would I do it? No way. It will be an image you have for the rest of your life. I hear from people who have looked at some of the violent images that have been so easy to find on the internet, like the beheading of that one guy in Iraq, and they wish they'd never opened that file.

My question for you would be what do you truly gain by seeing such a thing? Also, to view anyone's death, even someone who has commited vile acts, as "a damn good news story" is almost just a sickening. For me, a damn good news story is to not sensationalize this man in any way.
Oh, stop playing the semantics game. It's evident from Byrd Man's post that he views the entire situation as a good story, i.e. one that can provide insight into the criminal justice system. While I agree with your contention that witnessing the killing itself isn't vital to providing a good news story, I vehemently disagree with your supposition that Byrd Man feels it's the key aspect of the story itself. It's evident from his phrasing that that isn't the case.

[Phaedrus45]

Oh, stop playing the semantics game. It's evident from Byrd Man's post that he views the entire situation as a good story, i.e. one that can provide insight into the criminal justice system. While I agree with your contention that witnessing the killing itself isn't vital to providing a good news story, I vehemently disagree with your supposition that Byrd Man feels it's the key aspect of the story itself. It's evident from his phrasing that that isn't the case.

And, this question is more than just about the insight into the criminal justice system. Byrd Man probably knows what gets our attention...hence, the subject line being a bit shocking, saying, "I got offeered a chance to see someone get killed..." The subject is this thread is about viewing the killing; but, I do agree that I do not know what the actual news footage would be about.

[Belvedere]

Go for it, Byrd.

Chances like this don't come along very often and when they do I think you should take them, terrible things happen in the world (whether you think the actual execution is one of them or not) and it's your job as a news reporter to report them; as morbid as it may be, it's a great opportunity and I don't think you should let it go passing.

[Harlekin]

Honestly, even just the execution is a great story.

To describe what happens, something so few people have experience with?

I wouldn't do it, I couldn't handle it, but it'd be something I'd read.

[Green Lantern]

As someone vehemently opposed to Capital Punishment, I would never do it, but it all depends on your own morals.

[Majic Walrus]

Deja Vu....

[Ol'Canucklehead]

Yea when did "vehemently" become the cool word? And why didn't I get a memo?

[Byrd Man]

Update: I got an email from the Georgia DOC yesterday, I'm going to the execution this Tuesday. The guy was denied clemency yesterday, so it's all going to happen. I have to report at the prison Tuesday at 4:30. Execution is set for 7 and I'm not allowed to bring my recorder into the actual execution, but I get to partake in a Q&A session afterwards.

Nervous about this, mostly because I'm afraid the man may be innocent.

[Ol'Canucklehead]

What does the evidence say to you? Do you have reason to believe him to be innocent? Is he claiming such?

[Harlekin]

Oy. Good luck Byrd. Take care.

[Byrd Man]

What does the evidence say to you? Do you have reason to believe him to be innocent? Is he claiming such?

He claims he's innocent (as everyone else in jail does). But since his sentencing, the guys he did the murder with claim he wasn't around and that they killed the guy because they were all drunk and got into a fight.

Although, the evidence points elsewhere, there is always that slim chance that he is innocnet. Heck, there have been plenty of people that were executed and later found out to have been innocent.

[wiegeabo]

Update: I got an email from the Georgia DOC yesterday, I'm going to the execution this Tuesday. The guy was denied clemency yesterday, so it's all going to happen. I have to report at the prison Tuesday at 4:30. Execution is set for 7 and I'm not allowed to bring my recorder into the actual execution, but I get to partake in a Q&A session afterwards.

Nervous about this, mostly because I'm afraid the man may be innocent.

I smell book deal...


Seriously, though. If he is innocent, that's a career making story. But seeing someone die is bad enough. Seeing an innocent man die...? *shudders*

[Byrd Man]

Honestly, I don't think he's innocent. I think his buddies are confessing to the crime because they already got life in jail and don't want to see him get killed. He was stupid enough to say this during his trial, and I quote "I want to get the death penalty, it's better than staying in prison all my life."

[wiegeabo]

Honestly, I don't think he's innocent. I think his buddies are confessing to the crime because they already got life in jail and don't want to see him get killed. He was stupid enough to say this during his trial, and I quote "I want to get the death penalty, it's better than staying in prison all my life."

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a11/wiegeabo/animated/Trek/1tu8lu.gif

[Ol'Canucklehead]

Going back to what I think you said about him before, being a racisit who has had run ins with the law before...... even if he is innocent of this crime....is he guilt of others similar or worse by his own confesion and reputaion? Is he the kind of man that should have already been put down?

[Byrd Man]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a11/wiegeabo/animated/Trek/1tu8lu.gif

seconded

[Byrd Man]

It wasn't as bad as I thought. He died peacefully, while he was still claiming he was innocent. His last words were "I've made my peace with God. I'm ready."

The part that annoyed me was waiting. Me and the three other media witnesses had to wait in the media staging area outside the prison from 4-6:10. Then, we had to go through all these security checks and we were taken to a guard break room where we sat until about 10 till 7. Then we were put on a van and driven to the actuall execution, where we had to wait forever while guards checked the van to make sure none of us smuggled anything in. It was approx. 7:28 when he died.

Former Madison County Resident Executed Last Night For 1994 Murder

by Matt Johnson, 105.1 WSGC

“I’ve made my peace with God. I’m ready.” Those were the last words convicted killer William Mark Mize spoke before being executed by the state last night at the Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Prison in Jackson.

Mize was executed for the 1994 death of Eddie Tucker.

Shortly before the start of his execution, Mize gave a final statement where he stated that he was sorry that his friend had been killed, but he was still proclaiming his innocence, saying that his case had been a “travesty of justice” and that Oconee County, GA sheriff Scott Berry had victimized him by planting evidence and setting him up.

After his statement and a prayer, the execution started at 7:12 with a shot of Sodium Pentothal run intravenously through Mize’s body to sedate him. After that, 50 milligrams of the drug Pavulon was used to paralyze him, and a fatal shot of potassium-chloride stopped his heart. Mize was pronounced dead at 7:28.

His death marks the 22nd inmate in Georgia to be put to death by lethal injection.


Some said that maybe going to the exection wasn't needed, but I think that in the end it added depth to the story.