South Carolina Executes Richard Moore for 1999 Fatal Shooting of Convenience Store Clerk
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Despite a broad appeal for mercy from parties including three jurors and the judge from his trial, a former prison director, pastors, and his family, Richard Moore was put to death by lethal injection Friday for the 1999 fatal shooting of a convenience store clerk.
Moore, 59, was pronounced dead at 6:24 p.m.
The Crime and Trial
Moore was convicted of killing the Spartanburg convenience store clerk in September 1999 and sentenced to death two years later. On the day of the shooting, Moore, who was unarmed, entered the store, took a gun from the victim when it was pointed at him, and fatally shot the victim in the chest as the victim shot him with a second gun in the arm.
Clemency Request
Moore’s lawyers asked Republican Gov. Henry McMaster to reduce his sentence to life in prison without parole because of his spotless prison record and willingness to be a mentor to other inmates. They also argued that it would be unjust to execute someone for what could be considered self-defense and unfair that Moore, who is Black, was the only inmate on the state’s death row convicted by a jury without any African Americans.
Execution
Moore’s execution was carried out at 6:24 p.m. He was the second inmate executed in South Carolina since it resumed executions, and four more are out of appeals and the state appears ready to put them to death in five-week intervals through the spring.
Moore’s Last Words and Final Meal
Moore’s last words were read by his lawyer, Lindsey Vann, and he expressed remorse for the killing of James Mahoney, saying, "To the family of Mr. James Mahoney, I am deeply sorry for the pain and sorrow I caused you all. To my children and granddaughters, I love you and am so proud of you. Thank you for the joy you have brought to my life. To all of my family and friends, new and old, thank you for your love and support."
Moore’s final meal was steak cooked medium, fried catfish and shrimp, scalloped potatoes, green peas, broccoli with cheese, sweet potato pie, German chocolate cake, and grape juice.
Conclusion
Despite a broad appeal for mercy, Moore’s execution went ahead as planned. The case highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding the death penalty, including issues of racial bias, self-defense, and the fairness of the justice system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Richard Moore?
A: Richard Moore was a 59-year-old man who was put to death by lethal injection for the 1999 fatal shooting of a convenience store clerk.
Q: What was the crime?
A: Moore was convicted of killing the Spartanburg convenience store clerk in September 1999 and sentencing to death two years later.
Q: What was the case against Moore?
A: Moore was accused of entering the store unarmed, taking a gun from the victim when it was pointed at him, and fatally shooting the victim in the chest as the victim shot him with a second gun in the arm.
Q: Who appealed for clemency?
A: Parties including three jurors and the judge from his trial, a former prison director, pastors, and his family all appealed for clemency.
Q: What was the outcome?
A: Moore was executed by lethal injection at 6:24 p.m. despite the appeal for clemency.
