MONTGOMERY-After the U.S. Supreme Court legally cleared the execution of Casey A. McWhorter to move forward, Governor Ivey told Corrections Commissioner John Hamm that she would not exercise her clemency powers in this case and directed him to proceed with Mr. McWhorter’s lawfully imposed death sentence for the 1993 premeditated murder of Edward Lee Williams.
Casey McWhorter, 49, was pronounced dead at 6:56 p.m. at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore on November 16, 2023, authorities said. McWhorter was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death for his role in the robbery and shooting death of Edward Lee Williams, 34, on Feb. 18, 1993.
Prosecutors said McWhorter, who was three months past his 18th birthday at the time of the killing, conspired with two younger teenagers, including Williams’ 15-year-old son, to steal money and other items from Williams’ home and then kill him. The jury that convicted McWhorter recommended a death sentence by a vote of 10-2, which a judge, who had the final decision, imposed, according to court records. The younger teens — Edward Lee Williams Jr. and Daniel Miner, who was 16 — were sentenced to life in prison, according to court records.
Governor Ivey issued the following statement on November 16 just after the execution of McWhorter:
“Edward Lee Williams’ life was taken away from him at the hands of Casey A. McWhorter, and tonight, Mr. McWhorter answered for his actions. In February 1993 in Marshall County, Mr. McWhorter joined two others in ambushing and shooting to death Mr. Williams. After Mr. Williams was struck at least 11 times with .22 caliber rifles, each with makeshift silencers, Mr. McWhorter fired at least one round into Mr. Williams’ head to assure his death.
“Despite the fact that Mr. McWhorter managed to delay his date with justice for over three decades, his guilt of Mr. Williams’ premeditated robbery and murder was never in question. In Alabama, we uphold the rule of law and hold accountable those who take the lives of others. Casey McWhorter has finally paid for his heinous crime.” – Governor Kay Ivey
