James B. Clarke Jr.

James B. Clarke Jr. (February 8, 1957 – April 19, 1996) was an inmate executed in the State of Delaware for the murder of his adoptive parents.[1] Clarke confessed to the crime. He was motivated by a desire for the couple's life insurance. The murders took place in May 1994, one month after he had been released on parole for an earlier conviction.[2] Clarke had served 21 years of a 30-year sentence for his attempted slaying of a 3-year-old girl in 1973, but in spite of his failure to participate in rehabilitation and repeated discipline by prison authorities for fighting, he was released for good behavior. His case inspired public outrage and proposed legislation to curtail unwarranted early release.

James B. Clarke Jr.
Born(1957-02-08)February 8, 1957
Seaford, Delaware, U.S.
DiedApril 19, 1996(1996-04-19) (aged 39)
Smyrna, Delaware, U.S.
Cause of deathExecution by lethal injection
Criminal statusExecuted
Conviction(s)First degree murder
Criminal penaltyDeath sentence

Biography

Clarke was born February 8, 1957, and was a resident of the State of Delaware.[2] He was adopted by Elizabeth and James B. Clarke Sr. The identity of his birth parents is unknown.[3][4]

Execution

He waived his appeals and was executed by lethal injection on April 19, 1996.[5]

See also

References
  1. "Inmates Executed in Delaware since 1992". State of Delaware. Archived from the original on October 20, 2010. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  2. "Delaware Executes Man Who Killed His Parents". New York Times. Associated Press. April 20, 1996. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  3. "Clark v. State". Justia. February 29, 1996. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  4. "State of Delaware v. James B. Clark, Jr., Defendant I.D. No. 9406003237". FindACase. January 5, 1995. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  5. "Death Row Executions". Delaware Department of Correction. Archived from the original on May 4, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
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