STARKE, Fla. -- Convicted child killer Mark Dean Schwab was executed Tuesday night at the Florida State Prison in Starke.
Schwab, 39, was put to death exactly 16 years to the day after he was sentenced for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Junny Rios-Martinez, 11, in Cocoa. View the full timeline of the Schwab case.
Those who witnessed the execution said it was a calm scene as Schwab was killed by lethal injection.
In the final hours leading up to his death, Schwab met with his mother and consulted with a Baptist pastor.
Schwab had tried one final appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday, but the request for a stay was denied.
Death Penalty Debated
Schwab's execution brought out both supporters and opponents of the death penalty debate.
Dozens of people from all over Florida came to the state prison to get their opinions heard.
Some, including family members, said his death will mean justice for Junny and all other young victims of crime.
Others said the death penalty in general doesn't bring justice for anyone.
"And it is surreal and unnatural to watch a healthy man die before your eyes by injections who are done by medical professionals who are sworn to uphold life," said Sarah Lund, who is against the death penalty.
"I don't think it’s enough,” said Lyndsey Renner, Junny’s half sister. “I think he deserves to go through all the pain my family went through. It's better than being done at Thanksgiving time when they cancelled it, but it's better this than nothing, but I think he deserves all the pain in the world for what he did to my family."
Many of those protesting at the prison had no connection to the case at all.
Junny’s Family Holds Prayer Service
Schwab's execution was witnessed by family members of Rios-Martinez.
Prior to the execution, the family held an emotional prayer service in Brevard County.
The family held a memorial in front of the boy's former home in Cocoa.
Between 20 and 30 people held hands around a tree wrapped with ribbon as a pastor said a few remarks.
The victim's parents said they've literally waited for this day for years.
Schwab began stalking Rios-Martinez in 1991 after seeing his picture in the paper for winning a kite contest.
Family, friends and even strangers also left messages of support for Rios-Martinez's family on a memorial MySpace profile for the boy.
First Execution Since 2006
Tuesday night’s execution was the first in Florida since a botched lethal injection in late 2006.
All executions were halted after it took more than a half hour for Angel Diaz to die during an execution.
His death prompted a full review and changes on how executions are done in the state.
Leaders said they’re now confident the new system works.
"So I think our procedures look to me like we've done everything you can possibly do to be as humane as possible, and to follow the guidance of the Supreme Court, and I feel very comfortable with it," said Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum.
Schwab’s successful execution now opens the doors for other death sentences to be carried out.
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