Alabama executes man who killed clerk in 1994

A man convicted of killing a convenience store clerk has been put to death in Alabama, hours after the state’s execution plans were twice put on temporary hold by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Authorities say 45-year-old Ronald Bert Smith Jr. was pronounced dead late Thursday after a lethal injection at a southwest Alabama prison.

Smith heaved and coughed for 13 minutes during the 30-minute-long execution. He clenched his fists and raised his head during the early part of the procedure.

A prison guard performed two consciousness checks before administering the lethal drugs. During the first one, Smith moved his arm.

Smith was convicted of capital murder in the fatal shooting of Casey Wilson at a Huntsville convenience store in 1994.

The U.S. Supreme Court, after issuing two temporary delays earlier in the night, had again ruled Thursday that Alabama could move forward with the execution of an inmate convicted of killing a convenience store clerk more than two decades ago.

The jury had recommended life imprisonment by a 7-5 vote.

Smith had a final meal of fried chicken and French fries, took Holy Communion and visited with his parents and son on Thursday.