Two Death Row Inmates Executed in Florida, South Carolina This Week

Two death row inmates in the United States were executed for brutal murders committed decades ago. Stephen Stanko was put to death in South Carolina for the kidnapping, rape, and attempted murder of a teenage girl, as well as the murder of a 74-year-old friend; in his final statement, he apologized and asked not to be judged solely by his worst day. In Florida, Anthony Wainwright was executed for the 1994 kidnapping, rape, and murder of 23-year-old mother Carmen Gayheart, expressing love for his wife and quoting the film The Princess Bride in his final remarks, while also criticizing his attorney and the court system. Wainwright's execution came after over 30 years on death row, a delay that drew frustration from Gayheart's family, who condemned the lengthy appeals process. Both cases highlight the ongoing complexities and emotional weight surrounding capital punishment, victim families' responses, and the condemned's last moments. These executions form part of a broader context of death penalty applications in the United States.