Robert Jackson III

Robert Jackson III, 38, was executed by lethal injection at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna, Delaware, early on July 29, 2011, the state's first execution since 2005. He had spent 18 years on death row, and in his final words he said he was innocent and suggested another man was the killer. His lawyers argued that the state's switch to pentobarbital posed a risk of pain, but the U.S. Supreme Court and the governor declined to stay the execution. He was pronounced dead at 12:12 a.m.

Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state. His lawyers argued that the switch to pentobarbital risked causing pain, and in his final words he maintained his innocence.

Reported by: news accounts.

News reports (2)

• Delaware Death Penalty Information Center
• Delaware man executed for woman’s 1992 ax slaying - San Diego Union-Tribune San Diego Union-Tribune, July 29, 2011