SALEM, Ore. - An Oregon judge has set a tentative date of December 6 for the execution of two-time convicted murderer Gary Haugen. The killer has dropped all of his appeals and would become the first person to be executed in Oregon since 1997.
This is actually the second time a judge has set a date for Haugen's execution. He had been slated to die in August but the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that Haugen needed additional mental evaluation.
Haugen was asked a series of questions by Judge Joseph Guimond, the same judge who signed Haugen's death warrant the first time around.
"This may seem a bit like déjà vu all over again," Guimond said.
In Haugen's previous court appearances, he said his execution would serve as a protest against the Oregon criminal justice system. But this time, he had few words when the judge asked him why he is giving up his remaining appeals.
"Because I'm ready, your honor," Haugen said. "Because I'm ready."
Haugen can change his mind until literally the last minute. The lethal injection would occur at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem.
On the Web:
Death warrant for Gary Haugen:
http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-05/1294/44416/Haugen_Death_Warrant.pdf
Summary on Gary Haugen:
http://plainlanguage.oregon.gov/DOC/PUBAFF/docs/pdf/haugen_summary.pdf
Capital punishment in Oregon:
http://www.oregon.gov/DOC/PUBAFF/cap_punishment/cap_punishment.shtml
Copyright 2011 Northwest News Network
Copyright 2011 Northwest News Network
