US executes oldest condemned man

California executed Clarence Ray Allen, its oldest condemned prisoner, by lethal injection early today at San Quentin State Prison after las...

California executed Clarence Ray Allen, its oldest condemned prisoner, by lethal injection early today at San Quentin State Prison after last-ditch court appeals for a stay of execution failed.

Allen, who turned 76 on Monday and was legally blind, suffered from diabetes and chronic heart disease, was sentenced to death for ordering the murders of three people in 1980 while serving a life sentence for murder in California8217;s Folsom Prison. The time of death was 12.38 am local time. Two guards assisted a frail Allen, wearing an Indian headband, from a wheelchair shortly after midnight into San Quentin8217;s cramped death chamber and he was gently scooted onto the gurney where he would die.

Allen breathed heavily as a team of guards restrained his arms and legs to the table and set about methodically preparing him for a lethal combination of drugs. He turned his head to witnesses he had requested attend his execution and appeared to say 8216;8216;I love you8221;.

Five minutes passed from the time the first of two needles were inserted in Allen until a guard read his death sentence order at 12.19 am local time. Within minutes the lethal drugs were administered and Allen breathed heavily for a moment and then was motionless until he was pronounced dead.

Fifty witnesses, including members of Allen8217;s family and members of the families of his victims, had squeezed into the small room housing California8217;s death chamber. Few showed emotion, but a woman invited by Allen crouched three times and slumped against a wall, seemingly distraught.

Allen left behind a last statement in which he said goodbye to his death row neighbour of 20 years and his family. 8216;8216;My last words will be 8216;Hoka Hey it8217;s a good day to die,8217;8217;8217;Allen, of Native American ancestry, said in the statement.

A prison spokesman said Allen had never shown remorse for his crimes and Allen8217;s final statement did not mention them.

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California Assistant Attorney General Ward Campbell said Allen8217;s execution was long overdue adding, 8216;8216;Allen received the justice he deserved.8217;8217;