Story perspectives

Mississippi Executes Man Who Claimed Innocence for 1993 Murder

10/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Charles Ray Crawford, 59, was executed on October 15, 2025, at the Mississippi State Penitentiary for the 1993 murder of Kristy Ray.
Crawford maintained his innocence, but his appeals, including a last-minute petition to the U.S. Supreme Court, were denied.
His defense claimed his Sixth Amendment rights were violated when his lawyers admitted guilt without his consent.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, indicating a prior ruling could have supported Crawford's claim.
In his final statement, Crawford expressed love for his family and called for peace through God.

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Story summary

Charles Ray Crawford, 59, was executed on October 15, 2025, at the Mississippi State Penitentiary for the 1993 murder of Kristy Ray.
Crawford maintained his innocence, but his appeals, including a last-minute petition to the U.S. Supreme Court, were denied.
His defense claimed his Sixth Amendment rights were violated when his lawyers admitted guilt without his consent.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, indicating a prior ruling could have supported Crawford's claim.
In his final statement, Crawford expressed love for his family and called for peace through God.