Brian Dorsey, a Missouri inmate, was executed on Tuesday for the 2006 murder of his cousin Sarah Bonnie and her husband Ben Bonnie. Despite efforts by prison staffers and others to save his life, Dorsey was pronounced dead at 6:11 p.m. local time after receiving a single-dose injection of pentobarbital. Dorsey, who had been described as a model inmate, thanked those who tried to prevent his execution and expressed peace and understanding in his last words. The U.S. Supreme Court denied last-minute attempts to halt the execution, including an application for a stay of execution and a request for a review of the sentence.
Dorsey’s crimes involved him asking his cousin and her husband for help with paying off drug debts, after which he grabbed a shotgun and shot them dead in their home. Their young daughter was unharmed during the incident. Dorsey pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and was later sentenced to death by a jury in 2008. The Missouri Supreme Court affirmed the sentence, citing aggravating factors such as Dorsey’s assault on his cousin’s body after she was shot. In his final words, Dorsey expressed deep sorrow and apologized to the families of his victims.
Despite his actions, Dorsey had previously apologized and claimed that he was in a drug-induced state of psychosis at the time of the murders. He also appealed his sentence on the grounds of insufficient defense by his lawyers, who were allegedly disincentivized due to a flat fee payment structure. Furthermore, a clinical psychologist testified on Dorsey’s behalf, revealing a history of mental health issues, suicide attempts, and drug addiction. In the months leading up to his execution, Dorsey found support from unexpected allies, including dozens of Missouri Corrections Department employees who urged the governor to grant clemency.
One of Dorsey’s supporters, Tim Lancaster, a retired Missouri Department of Corrections officer, attested to Dorsey’s rehabilitation during his time in prison. He described Dorsey as a good person who deeply regretted his actions and was striving to better himself. Dorsey’s cousin, Jenni Gerhauser, also voiced her opposition to his execution, stating that contemporary justice had failed him and that he was still the same loving and compassionate person he had always been. Despite the efforts of those who sought to save Dorsey’s life, the execution proceeded as scheduled, marking Missouri’s first death row inmate to be executed this year.
