Some Decisions are Never Easy

Some decisions are never easy

A lot has been written about my decision to delay the execution of Elijah Page. Remember, it's only a delay, not a commutation. The execution will go forward when the statute is amended to provide for three drugs, to ensure that the body of the condemned does not struggle needlessly, and to ensure that our statutes are followed to the letter. The laws of South Dakota were created for a purpose. I could not allow the Department of Corrections (DOC) to carry out an execution that violates state statute.

I believe that the death penalty should be used in certain circumstances, and Elijah Page will in fact be executed. South Dakota hasn't executed anyone in 59 years. Our death penalty laws were last updated in 1984. Like everything else in medicine and pharmacology, more modern and efficient means now exist, for carrying out a lethal injection. I have received reports from corrections staff, that some of the inmates who were executed with just the two drugs currently authorized by our law, took the best part of an hour to die, and did not do so peacefully. I insist that any execution in SD, be performed by the most humane methods available in the United States.

I made the hard decision to ensure the execution would be carried out following state statute…by the book. Yes, Elijah Page waived his claim to demand that only two drugs be used, but he does not determine the timing of his death. The law must be updated to eliminate any issues about the method used, and to ensure that the execution is done in a humane manner.

Mr. Page has admitted his role in a three or four hour session of torture, taunting, kicking, stabbing, and otherwise brutally attacking an innocent victim. I cannot risk the lives of guards, other penitentiary staff, and even other inmates by allowing this man to leave death row. It is also my duty to protect their lives. Page presents a continuing unacceptable risk to kill again, if he is released from death row. And he has informed family that he deserves to die for what he has done already.

This execution will go forward, once the statute is amended to allow for the most humane manner currently used in the United States.

I am sorry that the family of Chester Poage must wait another nine months before they see this penalty carried out. As for others who clamor for a quick death, we cannot allow our desire for justice to outweigh our need to follow the law.


Sincerely,

M. Michael Rounds

http://www.state.sd.us/governor/