Indiana carried out the execution of Joseph Corcoran on the night of Wednesday, Dec. 18. This marks the first time in 15 years that the state has executed a prisoner.
Corcoran was found guilty of murdering his brother and three other individuals in 1997. Over the years, Corcoran has consistently confessed to committing the crime.
If the execution had taken place in Ohio or Kentucky, experts believe that the court would have likely halted it. These states have specific laws that prohibit the use of the death penalty for individuals suffering from serious mental illness.
Indiana is one of only two states that does not permit members of the media to witness executions, even though historically most state-sanctioned executions have been carried out with some level of public visibility.
According to Smith, Corcoran remained mostly still and silent. Smith noted that Corcoran briefly moved his left hand and fingers around 12:37 a.m., but did not show any further movement.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita released a statement on Wednesday morning, expressing that Corcoran has finally fulfilled his obligation to society, as justice has been served for his victims.
