The white supremacist who murdered James Byrd Jr. was just executed for his 1998 hate crime

By Eli Rosenberg and Eli Rosenberg General assignment reporter covering national and breaking news Email Bio Follow Lindsey Bever Lindsey Bever General assignment reporter covering national and breaking news Email Bio Follow April 24 at 8:25 PM Two decades after his conviction, John William King was executed Wednesday night in Texas for the murder of the James Byrd Jr., a crime that horrified the nation and prompted a national discussion about hate crime legislation.

The execution of 44-year old King is “justice being served,” said Louvon Byrd Harris, one of Byrd’s sisters. King’s nickname in prison was “Possum,” investigators learned. He was charged, along with Berry and Lawrence Russell Brewer, with capital murder. King had spoken of starting a race war while in prison, “and about initiating new members to his cause by having them kidnap and murder black people,” the appeals court wrote.

But the state submitted a brief in opposition, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction to review the claims and the Supreme Court denied the stay of execution on Wednesday night.

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What about the black man who threw a white child, over the railing at the mall ? What are going to do about that ?

Racist Origins of Gun Control “The right to bear arms has mostly been for white people,” Washington Post, July 15, 2018.

I guess you gotta do what you gotta do. How can you enjoy watching a person die? No matter his sin.

Did Bernie got his absentee ballot?

One less voter for BernieSanders and KamalaHarris

Very glad to hear. Hopefully the family of the victim gains closure and can let their loved one rest to the family of the victim you are in our thoughts.

Good

Death sentence was appropriate for this case

I'm not a big fan of the death penalty as a rule, but this asshole earned it. I hope his brings a bit of peace to Mr. Byrd's family and loved ones.

All that pain & suffering for JamesByrd family & for the family of man executed. This is all because 3 guys didn’t like the fact he was black? The death of this man may bring some closure, but it will not bring back Mrs. Byrd’s son.

Sad....

Sending a message to racism.

Good, I don't usually support the death penalty unless it's for capital crimes. (Murder, Rape, Sexual Assault of a Child, etc.)

Why did it take so long

Good.

This is why I don't understand why liberals are against the death penalty! Justice has been served!

So much for the superior race theory. His skin color couldn't save him from death.

White supremacy — as it goes without saying — is unacceptable. I am thankful the perpetrator was brought to justice and the victim's family received closure, but I oppose the death penalty. I think it recreates the kind of violence we aim to eradicate.

Good may he rot in hell

IAmSophiaNelson

I’m surprised Trump didn’t pardon him and talk about both sides being at fault.

Good.

Thank you for sharing James Byrd Jr.'s face and name and not that of his murderer.

I bet he that’s one execution that the anti death penalty Leftists are okay with.

Justice

Shame on the gaa black community, for their attack at the whites preservationists, humans righters ppc haarp ppls using their gaa plague iono aural transmittered nation black yahweh Heater channel. You will pay, accordingly. Don't predatorize, to gentrify. Period.

One down-many more to go‼️

Bub bye

I hope he burns in hell

I remember this horror.

Yaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!!!

Burn in hell 👹

GOOD. HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD.

Good. The death penalty needs to be used more often.

I am anti death penalty and I don't believe in Hell. But in the case I'm OK with both.

The only probably with the death penalty in this country is that it needs to be administered more quickly. This sack of sh*t got to live for 20years after his atrocious crime.

I do t understand how you came to this headline

Good job, Texas!!

Abolish the death penalty. Cap prison sentences to 30 years.

----------------- bye ------------------------

Senator BernieSanders hopes he remembered to cast an absentee ballot beforehand.

I am opposed to the death penalty BUT in some cases it is richly deserved.

👍👍

They should’ve dragged him through the town chained to a truck.

Great stuff.👍

Great news . You guys going to report on the Easter bombings

Sorry it took so long for justice.

Bernie says he can vote.

And he was so looking forward to voting.

Good.

Not so supreme now? Being dead and all that.

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