Execution Leaves Black Feeling Blue

Johnny Dale Black was executed tonight by the state of Oklahoma. As a convicted killer, you would think Johnny would be the—uh—“Black Sheep” of his family. But apparently ALL the sheep in the Black family were black, because Johnny’s two brothers were accomplices in the same crime that earned Johnny his death penalty conviction.

Along with two other friends, brothers Johnny Dale Black, Jesse Jay Black, and Jimmy Lee Roy Black were all accused of murdering a horse trainer in 1998. (The trio is apparently no relation to Johnnie Walker Black, a popular guest at many parties they probably attended) Brothers Jesse Jay and Jimmy Lee Roy were given long prison sentences while Johnny Dale, who inflicted the most injury on the victim, was sentenced to death.

Black used his final statement to display obvious displeasure about his impending demise. “This isn’t accomplishing anything,” he said while strapped to the lethal injection table. “It’s just another death, another family destroyed.” Black did not admit his guilt or apologize to his victim’s family.

For his last meal, Johnny Dale Black had a 3-piece catfish dinner, a double order of french fries with catsup, a slice of blackberry cobbler, and a bottle of Pepsi. In Oklahoma, an inmate’s last meal can cost no more than $15 and must be ordered from local restaurants.