1st Death Row Execution in 14 Years: Utah Executes 48-Year-Old Taberon Honie for 1998 Murder of Claudia Benn!

Taberon Honie Executed in Utah After 25 Years

Honie’s Brutal Crime and Legal Battle Detailed

According to  True Crime News, in Salt Lake City, Utah 48-year-old Taberon Honie was executed early Thursday morning August 8, 2024. This marked the first death row execution in Utah since 2010. Honie was put to death by lethal injection at 12:30 a.m. Before his execution he made a statement about personal change and resilience. His final meal consisted of a cheeseburger, milkshake and fries. After his death his family performed a Hopi death ceremony reflecting their cultural traditions.

Honie’s case dates back to July 9, 1998. He was accused of breaking into the home of Claudia Benn sexually assaulting and mutilating her and killing her in front of her three grandchildren. Court documents reveal that Honie had previously threatened Benn’s daughter. When police arrived at the scene they found Honie covered in blood and Benn’s body severely mutilated. Honie later confessed to the crime and expressed regret for the murder. Despite several appeals claiming ineffective counsel and other issues the Utah Supreme Court confirmed his conviction in 2014.

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1st Death Row Execution in 14 Years: Utah Executes 48-Year-Old Taberon Honie for 1998 Murder of Claudia Benn! (PHOTO: KUTV)

Governor and Attorney General Address the Impact of Execution

After the execution Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Attorney General Sean Reyes made statements about the case. Governor Cox said the execution fulfilled the state’s legal duty and hoped it would help the victim’s family find closure. Attorney General Reyes recognized the debate over the death penalty but supported its use in the most serious cases. He hoped the execution would prevent future crimes and bring some comfort to those affected by Honie’s actions.

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