Utah reacts to the Taberon Honie execution

SALT LAKE CITY — Taberon Honie was executed by lethal injection early Thursday morning, a little after midnight, in Utah’s first execution  since 2010.

Honie was sentenced to death in 1999 for the 1998 murder of 49-year-old Claudia Marie Benn. Three of Benn’s grandchildren were in the house when the murder took place. Police said that one of the grandchildren was sexually assaulted.

At 12:30 a.m., the Utah Department of Corrections said in an X post that the execution had taken place.

The execution warrant for Taberon Dave Honie has been carried out. More details will be available at the press conference when the media witnesses return to the media center.

— UTDeptofCorrections (@UtahCorrections) August 8, 2024

 

According to a UDC statement, Honie’s last words were, “From the start it’s been, if it needs to be done for them to heal, let’s do this. If they tell you you can’t change, don’t listen to them. To all my brothers and sisters in here, continue to change. I love you all. Take care.”

Reactions to the death penalty

In a press release, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes spoke about the beliefs and views surrounding the death penalty.

“We understand there are deeply held beliefs, powerful emotions and divergent views regarding the death penalty,” Reyes said. “Death by execution is one of the most extreme uses of government power. Many would argue it is ineffective, improper and beyond the authority of man to exercise. Many would disagree.”

Reyes said that murder “is among the crimes deemed by society to be most vile, repugnant and punishable by the harshest measures possible.” In Utah, he said, that includes the death penalty.

“The State of Utah approached the exercise of its power and attendant responsibilities with the seriousness and solemnity that such an act merits,” Reyes said.

“We hope opponents of the death penalty allow grace for those who carried out their duties as required by the law and did so with respect, professionalism, and, in some cases, in spite of their own personal views.”

Utah Gov. Cox issued a statement after the execution took place.

“Early this morning the state of Utah fulfilled its legal obligation to carry out the execution of Taberon Honie,” said Cox. “The actions of Mr. Honie that lead to his death sentence are heinous. I respect the process of our criminal justice system and recognize the countless public servants who meticulously planned and approached their responsibilities with professionalism.

“I hope this brings closure to those impacted by the crimes. My heart goes out to the victim’s family” the governor said.

Among those who reacted to the execution were groups of people protesting the sentence outside of the UDC.

Related: Police expect protest outside of execution of Taberon Honie

The Utah Prisoner Advocate Network said in a Facebook post that it was there for those needing healing.

“During these challenging times, we are reminded of the importance of compassion and support,” UPAN said in the post. “To all who are processing this event, we are here to offer a space for healing and understanding. Please reach out if you need someone to talk to or simply a community that understands.”

According to the UDC, multiple members of Honie’s family visited him on his execution day. These included his mother, father, daughter, sisters and others. 

“We appreciate the caring and professional approach our UDC team members took in fulfilling our duties required by the court’s sentence,” UDC Director Brian Redd said in a statement. “This is a serious task and it took significant effort and many hours of preparation.”

The execution

Before the execution, Honie had his last meal. It consisted of a cheeseburger, fries and a milkshake.

According to execution witnesses, Honie was given the lethal injection at 12:04 a.m. He was pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m. after receiving a second dose at 12:13 a.m.

Among the victim’s family who witnessed the execution were Franklin Honie, Sr., Teresita Honie, Sherwin Leslie, Tressa Honie and Therese Day.

There were multiple lawmakers and state officials present at the execution, including Gov. Spencer Cox’s Chief of Staff Jon Pierpont, Assistant Attorney General Justin Anderson, Sen. Derrin Owens, R-Fountain Green, Sen. Mike Kennedy, R-Utah County, House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Weber County, Cedar City Police Department Chief Darrin Adams and Rep. Casey Snider, R-Paradise.

Iron County police and other officials were also present, including Iron County District Attorney Scott Burns, County Attorney Chad Dotson, and Sherrif Ken Carpenter.

According to media witnesses, Honie thanked the warden and director of prison operations for taking care of his family. 

Honie then turned to his family and said, “I love you.” His mother was reported to have responded from the witness room saying, “I love you, son.”

Related:

Who are Utah’s other death-row prisoners awaiting execution?

Judge dismisses lawsuit filed by attorneys of Taberon Honie