John Hightower was put to death by the state last night in Jackson--he was pronounced dead at 7:59pm. The 63-year-old Hightower was executed for the triple murders in 1987 of his wife and two stepdaughters.
Hightower made a final brief statement and apologized to the victims' family. He also thanked his family and friends for their support. At the end, he declined a final prayer. No witnesses were there from his wife's family. Hightower had a friend, his pastor and a paralegal there on his behalf. Hightower's last meal included fried pork chops, fried green tomatoes, and strawberry ice cream.
It was the first execution in Georgia in nearly two years.
Hightower made a final brief statement and apologized to the victims' family. He also thanked his family and friends for their support. At the end, he declined a final prayer. No witnesses were there from his wife's family. Hightower had a friend, his pastor and a paralegal there on his behalf. Hightower's last meal included fried pork chops, fried green tomatoes, and strawberry ice cream.
It was the first execution in Georgia in nearly two years.
