Execution Index
Total Executions*
United States (38 states): 670
The South (14 states): 536
North Carolina: 17
*since 1977, when the U.S. Supreme
Court again allowed states to apply death
sentences
N.C. Governors' Records
Jim Hunt (1977-1985, 1993-2000)
Clemency granted: 1
Clemency denied: 15
Jim Martin (1985-1993)
Clemency granted: 1
Clemency denied: 2
Carter's Crime
First-degree murder and attempted rape
Strongest Case for Clemency
The case against Carter is circumstantial. There were no witnesses and the physical evidence isn't conclusive. Because Carter defended himself, the state's case wasn't really tested--there is a chance, albeit slight, that he didn't commit the murder.
Method of Execution
Lethal injection of thiopental sodium and procuronium bromide (Pavulon), which induces sleep and then stops all muscle action, including breathing.
Time of Execution
Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2 a.m.
Final Meal
Prisoners can choose a final meal, served about eight hours prior to the execution.
Executioners
"Appropriately trained" volunteers work anonymously behind a curtain. Three inject syringes into IV tubes. Only one contains the lethal solution. The volunteers do not know which one.
Witnesses
Up to 16 people can serve as execution witnesses, including official witnesses chosen by the prosecutor and the sheriff of the region where the crime was committed, members of the victim's family, representatives of the convicted felon and media. The official witness list has not been released.
Survivors
Sexton is survived by his adoptive mother, Shirley Hill, and two daughters.
Cost to N.C. Taxpayers
About $3 million, based on figures from the Death Penalty Information Center in Washington and from a 1993 study of North Carolina cases by Duke University's Terry Sanford Institute for Public Policy, which estimated that murder cases ending in executions cost $2.1 million more than those resulting in sentences of life imprisonment.
Still on N.C. Death Row
Men: 208
Women: 6
African American: 121
Native American: 9
White: 81
Other: 3
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