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John William King, the ringleader of a racist group of men who kidnapped a black father of three and dragged him to his death two decades ago in one of the most brutal hate crimes in U.S. history, was executed in Texas on Wednesday night despite a last-minute appeal.

King was pronounced dead shortly after 7:00 p.m., reportedly 12 minutes after receiving a lethal injection. As witnesses exited the building housing the death chamber at Huntsville, about 25 protesters outside...

Continue Reading John William King, Racist Who Dragged James Byrd Jr. to Death, Executed in Texas