Inmate to be executed in Missouri … while respecting social distancing

The Covid-19 pandemic has not completely undermined the American prison system. Walter Barton will be executed in Missouri, United States, on May 19, despite the health crisis. It is the only state in the country not to have postponed executions due to the coronavirus. A spokeswoman for the prison administration, however, indicated that the rules of physical distancing would be respected, reports Slate.

The convict’s lawyer failed to obtain the postponement of the execution, despite arguments relating to sanitary measures. Indeed, he had explained in particular that an execution systematically generates a gathering of people, whether because of the presence of journalists but also members of the family.

Sentenced to death for the murder of an octogenarian in 1991

For her part, the spokeswoman for the Missouri prison administration assured that the physical distancing measures would be respected. The number of people accommodated in each of the three rooms allowing to attend the performance will be reduced and the temperature of all visitors will be measured at the entrance of the establishment. “We have reserves of hydroalcoholic hand gel, masks and the like, if needed,” she also said.

Walter Barton was sentenced to death for the murder of an octogenarian in 1991. However, this case has seen many twists and two trials on appeal. The evidence of his guilt has been called into question several times.