Alabama Murderer Executed Despite Victim’s Family’s Pleas To Save His Life

Joe Nathan James, Jr. was executed on July 28, 2022. Before he was killed, the victim’s family was actively pleading to save his life.

On August 14, 1994, James murdered his former girlfriend 26-year-old Faith Hall in Birmingham, Alabama. He fatally shot the young mother inside her friend’s apartment. Prior to the murder, he had harassed Hall, showing up at her home, and threatening to kill her.

Hall had two daughters who were just three and six years old at the time of the murder, reported Newsweek. Those daughters objected to the execution of their mother’s killer and tried to stop it.

After he was killed, Hall’s daughters, Toni Hall Melton and Terryln Hall, continued to speak out against the execution. They released a statement through the office of State Representative Juandalynn Givan.

"Today is a tragic day for our family. We are having to relive the hurt that this caused us many years ago. We hoped the state wouldn't take a life simply because a life was taken and we have forgiven Mr. Joe Nathan James Jr. for his atrocities toward our family,” Smith’s daughters said.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey defended the execution. She pointed out that Hall had been "the victim of repetitive harassment, serious threats, and ultimately, cold-blooded murder" by James, according to CNN.

"Tonight, a fair and lawful sentence was carried out, and an unmistakable message was sent that Alabama stands with victims of domestic violence," Ivey announced on the day of the execution.

When asked if he had any last words, James said nothing, according to Newsweek. He remained silent and kept his eyes closed throughout the execution process.

Alabama currently has 166 people on death row. Smith’s daughters hope that things change. They stated, "We pray that God allows us to find healing after today and that one day our criminal justice system will listen to the cries of families like ours even if it goes against what the state wishes.”