US: Californian governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has denied clemency to convicted murderer Michael Morales, saying the condemned man's claims of regret, remorse and rehabilitation did not excuse his 1981 crime.
"There is no compelling evidence that the jury's punishment is not appropriate in this case. All the reviewing courts have upheld the jury's punishment. Morales's claim that he is a changed man does not excuse the brutal murder and rape of Terri Winchell," Schwarzenegger said on Friday. "Being a changed man today does not change the nature of the murder and rape Morales committed against Ms Winchell when he was younger."
Californian officials have said they would comply with a court order and would have two anaesthesiologists at Morales's execution next week to ensure the prisoner is unconscious before poisons are applied by lethal injection. - (Reuters)