USA - Texas. Elkie Lee Taylor was executed.

Elkie Lee Taylor was executed. Taylor, 46, black, was condemned for killing Otis Flake, 65, in 1993. Flake's slaying came 11 days after an 87-year-old man was killed in a similar fashion during a home burglary 7 blocks away. Taylor acknowledge he was involved in both burglaries but insisted a partner was responsible for he killings. His accomplice, Darryl Birdow, was sentenced in 1994 to life in prison for his involvement in Flake's death. Taylor becomes the 15th condemned inmate to be put to death this year in Texas and the 420th overall since the state resumed capital punishment on December 7, 1982. Taylor becomes the 31st condemned inmate to be put to death this year in the USA and the 1130th overall since the nation resumed executions on January 17, 1977.