Members of the family of the woman and two-year-old girl brutally murdered by Richard Strong 14-years ago say they hope his execution will be carried out as scheduled, later today.
Richard Strong is scheduled to die by lethal injection at the state prison in Bonne Terre between 6 p.m. today and 5:59 p.m. Wednesday. Strong brutally stabbed and slashed 23-year-old Eva Washington and two-year-old Zandrea Thomas to death after an argument in October, 2000 at the couple’s apartment in St. Ann.
Strong spared his own daughter that he had fathered with Washington, Alyshia Strong, who was 3 months old at the time. She has asked Governor Jay Nixon to commute his sentence to life in prison, saying that he is an important part of her life.
A member of the family of Washington and Thomas who declined to give his name called Missourinet and said that they are, “sorry for the parents … his parents … and of course the daughter, our cousin, but right now he has to pay for what he’s done, and we’re ready for closure. Right now we would like for this man to be executed today and that would give us closure.”
Several members of the families of Washington and Thomas will be at the prison in Bonne Terre to witness the execution. Strong’s mother also had plans to be there.
If Strong’s execution proceeds it would be the fourth this year. His attorneys are seeking a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court on three different sets of grounds, and Governor Jay Nixon (D) still must act on the request for clemency for Strong.