An Alabama man, Demetrius Frazier, was executed by nitrogen gas at a south Alabama prison for the rape and murder of 41-year-old Pauline Brown in 1991. Frazier, who was previously serving a life sentence in Michigan for the murder of 14-year-old Crystal Kendrick, was moved to Alabama's death row in 2011.
In his final words, Frazier seemed to criticize Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, questioning her ability to uphold the constitution. He also expressed love for his fellow death row inmates and his hometown of Detroit.
Before his execution, Frazier had a final meal from Taco Bell and apologized to the family and friends of Pauline Brown, acknowledging the tragedy of her death. His mother and death penalty opponents had pleaded with Whitmer to bring him back to Michigan, a state without the death penalty.
Whitmer, however, explained that her predecessor had made the decision to transfer Frazier to Alabama, emphasizing that Michigan does not have capital punishment. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey stated that justice was served for Brown and her loved ones, emphasizing that criminals like Frazier are not welcome in their state.
Prosecutors detailed the horrific crime, stating that Frazier broke into Brown's apartment, demanded money, raped her at gunpoint, and ultimately shot her in the head before returning to the scene later. The execution marked the end of a long legal process that spanned multiple states and decades.
