Mississippi Executes Man for Rape and Murder of College Student

A man from Mississippi was executed on December 13, 2023, for the 1993 rape and murder of a college student. Charles Crawford, aged 59, was given a lethal injection at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman. He spent over 30 years on death row before his execution.
Details of the Crime
Crawford was convicted of kidnapping and killing 20-year-old Kristy Ray. The incident occurred on January 29, 1993, in Tippah County. Ray was abducted from her home, leaving her family to find a ransom note in her absence. Another ransom note was discovered that day at the house of Crawford’s former father-in-law.
Crawford’s Arrest and Previous Offenses
Authorities apprehended Crawford a day after Ray’s abduction. At the time, he was facing trial for a separate assault charge involving a 1991 rape of a 17-year-old girl. Despite claims of memory loss during the crimes, he was convicted in two separate trials.
- Crawford’s prior rape conviction was a significant factor in his capital murder trial.
- Jurors viewed this history as an aggravating circumstance when they sentenced him to death.
Legal Appeals and Supreme Court Ruling
Over the preceding three decades, Crawford sought to overturn his death sentence. His most recent appeal was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court minutes before his execution. Justice Sonia Sotomayor expressed concern that the appeal could have been successful under different circumstances.
- The Supreme Court previously ruled that lawyers cannot override a defendant’s wish to contest guilt.
- Sotomayor highlighted that Crawford’s attorneys conceded to guilt while pursuing an insanity defense.
Mississippi Supreme Court Decision
The Mississippi Supreme Court dismissed Crawford’s argument, suggesting he should have acted sooner. Krissy Nobile, who represented Crawford, stated he did not have a fair chance to contest the charges due to his attorneys’ decisions.
Statements and Reactions
Following the setting of his execution date, Crawford displayed both disappointment and acceptance of his fate. Nobile described him as a supportive figure on death row who had worked towards assisting other inmates. The execution marked the third lethal injection in the U.S. within a short span.
Recent Executions in the U.S.
Crawford’s execution adds to the growing number of executions in the United States this year. A total of 38 executions have been carried out so far. Notably, executions also took place in Florida and Missouri shortly before Crawford’s.
- In Florida, Samuel Lee Smithers was executed for a double homicide.
- In Missouri, Lance Shockley was executed for killing a state trooper.
The next execution is scheduled for 2025, involving Richard Djerf, who was convicted of killing a family in Arizona over 30 years ago.