Mississippi Executes Charles Crawford for College Student Rape and Murder Conviction

On Wednesday, Charles Crawford, 59, was executed at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman. He had been on death row for over 30 years after being convicted of kidnapping, raping, and murdering Kristy Ray, a 20-year-old community college student, in 1993.
Background of the Case
Crawford abducted Kristy Ray from her home in Tippah County on January 29, 1993. Upon her mother’s return, she discovered a ransom note left behind. Law enforcement soon located a second ransom note at Crawford’s former father-in-law’s attic. This led to Crawford’s arrest, where he claimed to have blacked out and could not recall the crime. He was also awaiting trial for an unrelated 1991 assault case.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Crawford’s previous conviction for sexual assault was deemed an “aggravating circumstance” in his murder trial, contributing to his death sentence. During his trial, Crawford admitted to the killing but pursued an insanity defense. Despite multiple appeals to overturn his sentence, the US Supreme Court denied his last-minute appeal, noting procedural issues.
Controversy Over Legal Representation
Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued that Crawford’s lawyers failed to follow his wishes, potentially affecting the trial outcome. Her dissent highlighted broader concerns over defendant rights following a 2018 Supreme Court ruling, which does not retroactively apply to Crawford’s case.
Nationwide Execution Trends
Crawford’s execution marked the third in two days across the US, amid an uptick in executions. Recent cases include the executions of Samuel Lee Smithers in Florida and Lance Shockley in Missouri. So far, 38 men have been executed in the US this year, with more scheduled in the coming months.
The Mississippi Supreme Court dismissed Crawford’s appeal, stating it was not filed in a timely manner. His defense claimed his attorneys overrode his preference to plead not guilty, a point not adequately addressed in court according to Justice Sotomayor.