SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 26, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Taberon Honie, convicted of the 1998 Iron County sexual assault and murder of Claudia Benn, his ex-girlfriend’s mother, has lost his final bid to avoid death by lethal injection next month.
The execution of Honie, 48, is scheduled for Aug. 8, and is now expected to go on as planned since the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole has rejected arguments that his death sentence be commuted to life in prison.
The hearing was held July 22 and 24, and the decision was announced today, July 26.
“The Board heard and carefully considered the testimony of Mr. Honie, as well as Mr. Honie’s expert witnesses, and the testimony of Mr. Honie’s family members,” says a statement signed by J. Scott Stephenson, Board Chair.
“The Board also heard and thoughtfully considered testimony from four victim representatives. After carefully reviewing all submitted information and considering all arguments from the parties, the Board does not find sufficient cause to commute Mr. Honie’s death sentence.
“The Board hereby denies Mr. Honie’s Commutation Petition and makes no change to the sentence imposed in case 981500662.”
Benn, who was murdered at age 49 in her Cedar City residence, was a tribal council member, substance abuse counselor and caregiver for her children and grandchildren.
