Firing squad executes convicted killer Ronnie Lee Gardner

Ronnie Lee Gardner was executed by firing squad Friday, June 18, 2010 in Draper, Utah.

June 17

The Utah State Prison is seen at sundown before the scheduled execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner by firing squad in Salt Lake City. Gardner, 49, was sentenced to death for a 1985 capital murder conviction stemming from the fatal courthouse shooting of attorney Michael Burdell during an escape attempt.

Steve C. Wilson-AP

June 10

Ronnie Lee Gardner, who described himself as a "nasty little bugger," listens to proceedings during his commutation hearing at the state prison in Draper, Utah.

Trent Nelson-AP

June 17

Ronnie Lee Gardner's daughter, Brandie Gardner (left) and granddaughter Darian stand near the Utah State Prison as family and friends gather in Draper, Utah.

Jeffrey D. Allred-AP

June 17

Darian Gardner, the grandaughter of Ronnie Lee Gardner, sits near the Utah State Prison.

Jeffrey D. Allred-AP

June 17

Brother of convicted killer Ronnie Lee Gardner, Randy Gardner (right), speaks to the media near the Utah State Prison before his brother's execution.

Steve C. Wilson-AP

June 17

Donna Taylor, the niece of Ronne Lee Gardner's victim Michael Burdell, speaks to the media with her husband Lynn before Gardner's execution. Burdell's family had asked for Gardner to be spared, saying they are opposed the death penalty.

Steve C. Wilson-AP

June 17

Andrew Parnes, the attorney for Ronnie Lee Gardner, speaks to the media near the Utah State Prison before the execution. Gardner and his attorneys fought to halt the execution until the very end.

Steve C. Wilson-AP

June 17

People reflect on Ronnie Lee Gardner's Death Penalty by singing, prayers, and reading at St. Mark's Cathedral in Salt Lake City. "Murdering the murderer doesn't create justice or settle any score," said Rev. Tom Goldsmith of the First Unitarian Church.

Matt Gillis-AP

June 17

Media vehicles camp out in the parking lot of the Fred House Training Center while covering the execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner at the Utah State Prison.

Scott G. Winterton-AP

June 18

Family and friends of Ronnie Lee Gardner gather with the Utah State Prison in the background as they prepare to release balloons into the air shortly after his execution by firing squad.

Steve C. Wilson-AP

June 18

Bonnie Knight, sister of Ronnie Lee Gardner, sings along to the song "Freebird" during a candlelight vigil prior to his execution in Salt Lake City.

Steve C. Wilson-AP

June 18

Brandie Gardner, daughter of Ronnie Lee Gardner, is comforted during a candlelight vigil just before his execution in Salt Lake City.

Steve C. Wilson-AP

June 18

Members of the media who witnessed the execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner by firing squad address reporters in Salt Lake City. Gardner was declared dead at 12:20 a.m.

Steve C Wilson-AP

June 18

The execution chamber at the Utah State Prison after Ronnie Lee Gardner was executed by firing squad.

Trent Nelson-AP

June 18

A closer look at the execution chamber. Four bullet holes are visible in the wood panel behind the chair.

Trent Nelson-AP

Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor, Producer Troy Witcher

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