Mississippi Executes Man After Three Decades on Death Row for Student Murder Justice Served

A Mississippi man was executed after spending over 30 years on death row. Charles Ray Crawford, aged 64, was convicted of kidnapping, raping, and murdering 20-year-old Kristy Ray, a community college student. The crime occurred in Tippah County, Mississippi, in 1993. On January 29 of that year, Ray was abducted from her parents’ home. A ransom note found soon after led authorities to Crawford, who was arrested a day later.
Mississippi Executes Man After Three Decades on Death Row
Authorities reported that Crawford was executed by lethal injection at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman. The execution took place at 6:15 p.m. local time on a Wednesday, according to the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Details of the Crime and Legal Proceedings
- Ray was taken to a remote cabin where she was handcuffed, sexually assaulted, and fatally stabbed.
- Crawford faced another trial for a 1991 assault, involving the rape of a 17-year-old and an attack on her friend.
- He was sentenced to death in 1994, the earlier conviction being an aggravating factor.
Over the subsequent years, Crawford challenged his conviction and sentence, but his appeals were consistently denied. The U.S. Supreme Court and Mississippi State Supreme Court rejected last-minute petitions, citing procedural delays.
Reactions and Statements
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declined Crawford’s clemency request. He emphasized that justice must be delivered for the victims. Krissy Nobile, from the Mississippi Office of Capital Post-Conviction Relief, noted Crawford’s defense issues, emphasizing his attorneys pursued an insanity defense against his wishes. Despite his claims, Crawford’s legal avenues were exhausted.
Emma Bussey for Emegypt reported this significant development. The execution marks the end of a long judicial journey signifying justice served for a heinous crime committed decades ago.