Statement By The Family Of Rev. Jean Earnest Darter
State Correction Department officials say Perrie Dyon Simpson was pronounced dead by injection at 2:17 a.m.
In a last statement, Simpson apologized for his actions.
"I want to say I am sorry for what I did. I'm sorry for the victim and the families. I'm sorry for my family. I'm sorry for everybody. I want to say to Stephanie (Eury), I'm sorry for what happened to you. I wish you'd get out and make a life for yourself. May God bless everyone."
The execution came after state and federal courts rejected his appeals, and Gov. Mike Easley rejected his request for clemency.
Simpson was executed by injection for the murder of retired 92-year-old minister Jean Darter of Reidsville in August 1984. A day earlier, the minister had given food and $4 in cash to Simpson and his girlfriend, Stephanie Eury, and allowed Simpson to use his telephone.
Inside Central Prison, Dwight Lucas watched the state execute Perrie Simpson. In 1984, he was one of the police officers on duty the night Darter was killed. Lucas said he feels justice was served.
"I believe in God. I believe in the Bible. I believe in the laws of the land. I just pray Mr. Simpson has made peace with the Lord," he said.
Late Thursday, Simpson requested a last meal of a McRib sandwich from McDonald's, a double cheeseburger from Wendy's, macaroni and cheese, cheesecake, and a Pepsi.
Also on Thursday, 16 protesters were arrested and charged with trespassing when they left the sidewalk where they had a permit to hold a candlelight vigil and walked to the top of the driveway leading to Central Prison.
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