New England sees first execution in 45 years

Connecticut prison officials put serial killer Michael Ross to death by lethal injection on Friday in the first execution in liberal-minded New England in 45 years.

State officials said that shortly after 2 a.m. EST (0600 GMT), Ross was administered a chemical cocktail at the Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers, Connecticut. The drugs sedated him, paralyzed his muscles, and stopped his heart.

Ross, who admitted killing eight women in the 1980s, was pronounced dead at 2:25 a.m. EST (0625 GMT), a senior Connecticut correctional official said.

Ross made no statement before his death.

Witness Gerry Brooks, from Connecticut NBC affiliate WVIT TV, said that as Ross received the intravenous fluids "there was gasp and there was a shudder and he did not move again."

Another witness said she heard from the area where the victims' families viewed the execution a man's voice saying "it's too peaceful" as the lethal dose was administered.

Edwin Shelley, father of Leslie Shelley who was murdered by Ross in 1984, said: "We have waited 21 years for justice."

Chris Morano, Connecticut's chief state's attorney, said, "It's time to forget about Michael Ross. But we should never forget about his victims and we should always remember and embrace their families."

Although Ross said he was personally opposed to the death penalty, he wanted his execution to serve as closure for his victims' families and last year he waived all remaining appeals.

For his last meal, Ross ate the prison's meal of the day, which was turkey a la king with rice, mixed vegetables, white bread, fruit and a beverage.

Between 200 and 300 people, many praying aloud, marched to Osborn from a staging area about a mile away in protest at the execution.

Ross was originally set to die in January, but legal appeals delayed his execution several times.

His death sparked much public debate in the northeast United States, where executions are rare. Most executions in America take place in southern states.

Death penalty foes around New England were frustrated by Ross' insistence on being executed, making him what capital punishment experts call a "volunteer."