Almost thirty years ago, Joseph Corcoran murdered four people – now he had to pay for these crimes with his life in the US state of Indiana. According to authorities, his last words were: “Let’s end it.”
Corcoran, 49, killed his brother, his sister’s fiancée and two of their friends in 1997. For this he was sentenced to death in 1999. A few years before the quadruple murder, he was accused of murdering his parents – but because there was only circumstantial evidence, the then 17-year-old was not convicted.
Long delay because medicines were missing
Corcoran’s execution was the first in fifteen years in the state of Indiana. The state had previously acquired the drug pentobarbital “after years of effort” to allow executions by lethal injection, as Gov. Eric Holcomb explained. The long delay in carrying out the death sentence against Corcoran was solely due to the shortage of the drug.
The condemned candidate would not have been afraid before his execution. When asked about this, he said, “Not really,” and urged the officers to “just get it over with.” For his last meal he wanted ice cream from “Ben & Jerry’s”.
Killer’s wife: ‘He doesn’t understand what’s happening’
Lawyers for the convicted man and his wife Tahina Corcoran fought to the end to stop the execution. They claim the death row inmate suffers from schizophrenia and is unaware of the consequences of his actions. “He is in a state of shock and does not understand what is happening,” his wife explained.
Corcoran’s sister Kelly Ernst – who was also the sister of one of the victims and engaged to another – also spoke out against her brother’s execution and the death penalty in general. She said his mental illness was “pretty obvious.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
