A man who was convicted of killing a mother more than 30 years ago was executed on death row today.
Mark Allen Geralds, aged 58, became the 18th person to be executed on death row in Florida this year. He received a lethal injection at a jail. Prior to the execution, Geralds, when asked if he had any final words, uttered apologies to someone whose name was not audible, expressing love and regret.
During the administration of the injection, Geralds exhibited physical reactions such as deep breaths, trembling, and mouth movements before eventually becoming motionless within a few minutes.
The execution of Geralds took place over 36 years after he murdered Tressa Pettibone in her residence. The discovery of Pettibone’s body by her young son marked a tragic event in Panama City, Florida.
Following the execution at Florida State Prison near Starke, a spokesperson read a statement on behalf of Pettibone’s family, expressing relief at the closure after years of legal battles for justice.
The family fondly remembered Pettibone as a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, emphasizing her dedication to her loved ones.
Relatives shared stories of Pettibone’s passion for Christmas, recalling her elaborate decorations and culinary skills, which are still cherished by the family each year.
Geralds, a carpenter who had previously worked at Pettibone’s residence, encountered the victim and her children in 1989, leading to suspicious interactions and subsequent evidence linking him to the crime.
Geralds was convicted of murder and armed robbery in 1990, later facing a resentencing to death in 1992 after legal proceedings in the Florida Supreme Court.
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