Representatives Charges Mistreatment During Execution

A state representative complains that an inmate’s family was mistreated during the first execution carried out at the Bonne Terre prison, a charge the state Corrections Director denies. Not all of inmate Donald Jones’ family were allowed to witness his execution last month, the first execution carried out at the Bonne Terre prison. Bonne Terre officials told certain family members they must leave the prison complex after visiting with Jones at seven o’clock, about five hours prior to the execution.One of those turned away is Representative Connie Johnson’s (D-St. Louis) pastor. She questions why the prison couldn’t accomodate the extra people. Johnson also makes unspecified allegations that guards mistreated the family. Corrections Director Larry Crawford says he has talked with Johnson and with prison officials. He has found no evidence of mistreatment and stands by prison policy. He says his staff is spread thin during executions and cannot look after extra people. Crawford has agreed to meet with the family members affected.