By AP/KWMU
Bonne Terre, MO – Convicted killer Donald Jones was put to death at 12:07 early Wednesday morning at a prison in Bonne Terre, Mo.
He was put to death at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center near Bonne Terre. He's the first death row inmate to be executed at the facility.
Jones' relatives, as well as relatives of the victim had asked Governor Matt Blunt to intervene. The relatives argued that the victim, Dorothy Knuckles, would not have sought vengeance against her grandson, who stabbed her more than 30 times.
The state's parole board also recommended clemency. But Blunt refused, saying it was the only appropriate punishment.
Jones is the 63rd person put to death in the state since Missouri reinstated the death penalty in 1989.