Michael Beuke

Ohio executed Michael Beuke by lethal injection this morning. Michael Beuke was found guilty of shooting 3 drivers who picked Beuke up while he was hitchhiking; killing one of them. Michael Beuke was convicted on October 5, 1983, of aggravated murder for the death of Robert Craig, 27, of Cincinnati and was sentenced to death. He also was found guilty of the attempted slayings of Gregory Wahoff of Cincinnati and Bruce Graham, then from West Harrison, Indiana.

The Associated Press is reporting that the Ohio Supreme Court denied a last-minute stay earlier this morning, turning aside an appeal related to a previously unsuccessful claim that brain damage contributed to Beuke's actions. His lawyers said recent brain scans and expert conclusions showed Beuke suffered from moderate to severe brain damage.

Robert Craig's widow witnessed the execution this morning , along with Gregory Wahoff's son and daughter. The families said remorse cannot change what Beuke did and that they believe he deserved to die.

This execution brings up an ages old debate about the death penalty. My personal belief is that it must be decided on a case by case basis. While not a proponent of "people playing God," I do believe that there are criminals who should not be allowed the privileges afforded them in prison.

How do you feel about the death penalty? Does Michael Beuke's execution in Ohio today ignite any pros and cons of the death penalty for you?