STARKE, Fla. (AP) — Richard Barry Randolph, a man convicted of raping and fatally beating his former manager, Minnie Ruth McCollum, at a Florida convenience store in 1988, is scheduled to be executed Thursday evening at Florida State Prison. Randolph, now 63 years old, was sentenced to death in 1989 after being convicted of murder, armed robbery, sexual battery, and grand theft.
This execution marks the 17th carried out in Florida for the year, setting a new state record for total executions in a single year, further widening the gap from previous records. Randolph was arrested shortly after McCollum's brutal attack, where he attacked her after being caught trying to break into the store’s safe. Three bystanders alerted authorities after witnessing the disturbing scene through the store's windows.
McCollum was found alive but died six days later from severe brain injuries caused by the assault. Investigators quickly traced Randolph to a nearby grocery store, where he was attempting to cash in lottery tickets stolen during the robbery. His confession led police to the bloody clothes he disposed of, solidifying his conviction.
Despite appeals claiming his constitutional rights were violated and that his defense counsel acted without his consent, all efforts to halt the execution were denied by higher courts.
In total, 43 inmates have faced execution in the U.S. so far this year, with Florida leading the nation followed closely by Alabama, South Carolina, and Texas. Further executions in Florida are scheduled before the year ends, with notable cases like Mark Allen Geralds and Frank Athen Walls set for December.
This execution marks the 17th carried out in Florida for the year, setting a new state record for total executions in a single year, further widening the gap from previous records. Randolph was arrested shortly after McCollum's brutal attack, where he attacked her after being caught trying to break into the store’s safe. Three bystanders alerted authorities after witnessing the disturbing scene through the store's windows.
McCollum was found alive but died six days later from severe brain injuries caused by the assault. Investigators quickly traced Randolph to a nearby grocery store, where he was attempting to cash in lottery tickets stolen during the robbery. His confession led police to the bloody clothes he disposed of, solidifying his conviction.
Despite appeals claiming his constitutional rights were violated and that his defense counsel acted without his consent, all efforts to halt the execution were denied by higher courts.
In total, 43 inmates have faced execution in the U.S. so far this year, with Florida leading the nation followed closely by Alabama, South Carolina, and Texas. Further executions in Florida are scheduled before the year ends, with notable cases like Mark Allen Geralds and Frank Athen Walls set for December.
