In this Dec. 1, 2013, provided by the Missouri Department of Corrections, is William Rousan. Rousan, who was executed today. He was sentenced to death for killing 62-year-old Grace Lewis in 1993 and was sentenced to life in prison for killing her 67-year-old husband.By JIM SALTER
Associated Press
BONNE TERRE, Mo. – Missouri executed an inmate early today only a few miles from the farm where prosecutors say he orchestrated the 1993 killing of a couple whose cows he wanted to steal.
William Rousan’s last words were, “My trials and transgressions have been many. But thanks be to my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, I have a new home in his heavenly kingdom.”
Before dying, Rousan, 57, mouthed words to his brother-in-law and a minister he had invited. As the drug was administered, Rousan breathed deeply twice and then was still. He was declared dead at 12:10 a.m., nine minutes after the procedure started.