Husband killer and only woman on Georgia’s death row sings Amazing Grace before execution

The only woman on Georgia’s death row was executed early Wednesday morning, making her the first woman executed in the state in seven decades. Kelly Renee Gissendaner was pronounced dead by injection of pentobarbital Wednesday at 12:21 a.m. at the state prison in Jackson. She was convicted of murder in the February 1997 slaying of her husband after she conspired with her lover, who stabbed Douglas Gissendaner to death.

I just want to say God bless you all and I love you, Susan. You let my kids know I went out singing ‘Amazing Grace.

Kelly Renee Gissendaner.

Gissendaner, 47, sobbed as she said she loved her children and apologized to Douglas Gissendaner’s family, saying she hopes they can find some peace and happiness. She also addressed her lawyer, Susan Casey, who was among the witnesses. Prison Warden Bruce Chatman left the execution chamber at 12:11 a.m. Records from previous executions indicate that the lethal drug is administered within about a minute of the warden leaving the room. More than 100 people gathered in rainy conditions outside the prison to support Gissendaner.

Americas Gissendaner