Execution Report: Kenneth Dunn

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In his appeals, Dunn contended that entertainer Michael Jackson had a videotape of the shooting that would exonerate him. Prosecutors said no such tape existed and argued that Dunn was attempting to feign a mental illness so that his execution would be delayed.

A few minutes before his execution was to begin, Dunn handed a 65-page handwritten appeal to prison officials. Dunn's execution was delayed as the appeal was faxed to the Court of Criminal Appeals, which rejected it. The governor's office also declined to issue an emergency stay.

Dunn's execution was attended by the victim's parents, aunt, niece, and friend. Dunn requested that Jackson and his sister, Janet, attend as his personal witnesses, but neither of them appeared. Dunn declined to make a last statement at his execution. He was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m.

By David Carson. Posted on 29 September 2008.
Sources: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Houston Chronicle, Huntsville Item.