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After 500th Execution, a Huntsville Death Row History

Update: Kimberley McCarthy was put to death via lethal injection Wednesday evening, becoming the 500th prisoner to be executed in Texas since the state resumed carrying out capital punishment in 1982, following a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court. McCarthy was condemned for the murder of her neighbor, 71-year-old Dorothy Booth, during a robbery.

Earlier: Kimberly McCarthy is scheduled to die by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas this evening. Her upcoming death has caught national and international attention because – if the execution is carried out – she will be the 500th person executed in Texas since the death penalty was reinstated and the fourth woman.

Listen to KUT News’ report on the death penalty, including State Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, who files a bill each legislative session to abolish the death penalty; Texas Prison Museum director Jim Willet; and Kimberly McCarthy’s attorney Maurie Levin.

If McCarthy’s appeals fail, Levin will drive about three hours from Austin to Huntsville tonight, to be by her side as she is put to death.

In the slideshow above, tour the Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville.

Texas Standard reporter Joy Diaz has amassed a lengthy and highly recognized body of work in public media reporting. Prior to joining Texas Standard, Joy was a reporter with Austin NPR station KUT on and off since 2005. There, she covered city news and politics, education, healthcare and immigration.
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