Florida executes Richard Barry Randolph convicted of raping, killing former convenience store manager
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On Thursday, Florida carried out the execution of a man convicted of a heinous crime dating back to 1988, marking a grim milestone as the state’s record 17th execution this year. The individual, Richard Barry Randolph, was sentenced to death for the brutal rape and murder of his former manager at a convenience store.

The office of Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed to The Associated Press that the 63-year-old Randolph was executed at 6:12 p.m., following the administration of a lethal three-drug cocktail at Florida State Prison, situated near Starke.

Randolph’s conviction came in 1989, a year after the crime, and he was found guilty of multiple charges including murder, armed robbery, sexual battery, and grand theft, which ultimately led to his death sentence.

A spokesperson for the governor noted that the execution proceeded without any reported complications. Randolph chose to remain silent, offering no final words before his life was ended.

Richard Randolph jail photo

In anticipation of the execution, correctional authorities released an undated photograph of Richard Randolph, capturing his likeness before his sentence was carried out.

Randolph woke at 6:30 a.m. and later ate a cheeseburger, fries and ice cream, according to a state Department of Corrections official. He had one visitor during the day but did not meet with a spiritual adviser.

Three members of the victim’s family were expected to attend the execution, which began around 6 p.m.

Randolph’s death extended Florida’s record for executions in a single year to 17.

The U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, and until now, the highest annual total in Florida was eight in 2014.

Court records show Randolph tried to break into a safe at a Palatka convenience store in August 1988, according to the AP. Randolph, a former employee, was spotted by manager Minnie Ruth McCollum, and the two struggled.

Death Penalty Gurney

Richard Randolph was put to death Thursday, for the rape and murder of his former manager at a Florida convenience store in 1988. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

Randolph beat, strangled, stabbed and raped McCollum before fleeing the store in her car.

Three women saw Randolph leaving and called the sheriff’s office after noticing the store was in disarray.

A responding deputy found McCollum still alive and took her to a hospital, where she remained in a coma. She died six days later of severe brain injuries, doctors said.

Randolph was arrested soon after at a Jacksonville grocery store while trying to borrow money and cash in stolen lottery tickets. Investigators said he admitted to the attack and led them to bloody clothing he had discarded.

The Florida Supreme Court last week denied Randolph’s appeal to overturn his conviction. He argued the lower court abused its discretion by denying him access to public records and that his lawyers acted without his consent.

Florida State Prison in Starke, Florida

The entrance of Florida State Prison in Starke.  (AP Photo/Curt Anderson, File)

Florida has carried out more executions than any other state this year, followed by Alabama, South Carolina and Texas with five each. Two more executions are planned next month under death warrants signed by Republican Gov. DeSantis.

Mark Allen Geralds, 58, is scheduled for Florida’s 18th execution on Dec. 9. He was convicted of fatally stabbing a woman during a home-invasion robbery.

Frank Athen Walls, 58, is set for Florida’s 19th execution on Dec. 18. He was convicted of fatally shooting a man and a woman during a home-invasion robbery and later confessed to three other killings.

Florida’s lethal injections use a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections.

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