Woman executed for planning husband’s murder 

The US state of Georgia has for the first time in seventy years executed a woman despite a number of last hour appeals, including one by the Pope, to try to block her execution.

Kelly Gissendaner, 47 planned but did not carry out her husband's murder in 1997.

Her former lover, Gregory Owen, who killed Douglas Gissendaner, was given life in prison as part of a plea bargain.

Pope Francis, who was recently on a US tour, urged the review board to reconsider.

But the board announced yesterday afternoon that it was not granting clemency.

Before being given a lethal injection, witnesses said Kelly sang Amazing Grace, extended blessings to everyone and apologized to her dead husband's family saying that an amazing man lost his life because of her.


BBC