SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 7, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Gov. Spencer Cox has denied a request to delay the execution of Taberon Honie, convicted of the 1998 Cedar City killing of 49-year old Claudia Benn, his ex-girlfriend’s mother.
Honie, 48, is scheduled to die by lethal injection just after midnight Thursday morning.
Last week, attorneys for Honie emailed Cox requesting a temporary reprieve for their client, arguing questions remained regarding how the Utah Department of Corrections obtained the drug to be used, and that the process has not been transparent.
“The Utah Department of Corrections’ hasty rush to prepare for an execution risks dangerous outcomes,” the attorneys’ message said. “The entire process is shrouded in secrecy and we ask you to exercise your constitutional discretion to grant a temporary reprieve so that adequate time and preparation can be taken to ensure a safe process.”
Cox denied the request to delay the execution.
“I am mindful of the fact that Mr. Honie has had every opportunity to challenge his sentence since it was imposed 25 years ago, in litigation and before the Board of Pardons and Parole,” Cox said in his decision.
“It is my understanding that Mr. Honie has exhausted his appeals before our state courts. He also had a commutation hearing before the Board of Pardons and Parole. The board declined to commute his sentence.”
Cox said the corrections department “has provided Mr. Honie with more than the law requires.
“Ultimately, my review of your request indicates that a temporary reprieve is not warranted. Indeed, it is not clear to me that any benefit would come from delaying Mr. Honie’s sentence further.”
The Utah Department of Corrections on Monday sent out a reminder that a public Free Speech Zone area will be set up for people wishing to voice opinions regarding the death penalty and Honie’s execution.
The zone will be open at 5 p.m. Wednesday at 7800 West and 700 North, in Salt Lake City.
“Access from 8000 West will not be permitted on Aug. 7 due to security measures in place for the Utah State Correctional Facility,” the statement says.
“Persons traveling to the zone should use 5600 West instead. This area will be open until 2 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 8.”
