A convict facing the death penalty for a heinous crime from over three decades ago used his final words to deliver a subtle apology. Chadwick Scott Willacy underwent a lethal injection today for the murder of Marlys Sather, who was brutally attacked in her home. Willacy had broken into her property, struck her, bound her, and eventually set her on fire.
After being found guilty of multiple charges, including first-degree murder, burglary, robbery, and arson, Willacy spent 36 years on death row in Starke, Florida, before his execution. Despite expressing remorse to his loved ones and encouraging his fellow inmates, Willacy maintained his innocence, vehemently denying the murder accusation.
In a statement before the injection, Willacy addressed the victim’s family, hoping for their peace but asserting his belief in the injustice of the situation. This execution marked the fifth in Florida this year, following the recent execution of another criminal, Michael Lee King, for a different crime.
During the tragic incident, the victim, Ms. Sather, faced a violent assault in her own home, where she was strangled, doused with petrol, and set ablaze by the culprit. The autopsy revealed that she succumbed to smoke inhalation, indicating she was alive during the horrific act.
Apart from the brutal murder, Willacy also committed theft by stealing the victim’s belongings and using her ATM card for personal gain. The discovery of Ms. Sather’s body by her family led to the apprehension of her killer, who was subsequently sentenced to death.
Florida’s recent execution was part of a surge in capital punishments, with the state witnessing a record number of executions in the previous year. The upcoming execution of James Ernest Hitchcock, convicted of a separate crime, is scheduled for later this month.