Missouri Carries out Execution of Michael Tisius

On February 7, the state of Missouri executed Michael Tisius for the murders of Leon Egley and Jason Acton back in 2000. The execution occurred after litigation ended the brief delay issued by a federal judge to determine the competence of one of the case’s jurors. In an effort to spare Mr. Tisius’ life, the Missouri bishops signed a letter requesting Missouri Governor Mike Parson to grant Mr. Tisius clemency and commute his sentence to life without parole. Despite this letter, however, Governor Parson did not grant clemency for the third executed criminal of the year, and fourth since last November. 

The Catholic Church is strongly opposed to the death penalty because it disregards the sanctity and dignity of human life.