Execution Is Delaware’s 1st in 45 Years

SMYRNA, Del. —  A killer had his death wish fulfilled Saturday when he became the first person executed in Delaware in 45 years.

Steven Brian Pennell, 34, died at the Delaware Correctional Center after being injected with a mix of chemicals. His death came shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court denied a stay of execution sought by his wife, Kathy, who said he was mentally incompetent to waive his right to appeals.

Pennell, who maintained his innocence, said he wanted to die to spare his family further anguish. He was ruled competent to represent himself.

Pennell was sentenced to death after pleading no contest last October to the September, 1988, murders of Michelle Gordon, 22, and Kathleen Meyer, 26. At the time of sentencing, Pennell was serving two life terms for the murders of Shirley Ellis, 23, who died in 1987, and Catherine DiMauro, 31, who died in 1988.

About 30 death penalty protesters and 10 relatives and friends of Pennell’s victims were allowed on the prison grounds to stand vigil Saturday.