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Since 1976, 20 Black men have been executed for the murders of Whitevictims. Yet, a Thursday will mark the first time in the states history that a White man will be executed for murdering a Black personaccording to the Associated Press.

In 1987, Mark Asay killed Robert E. Booker after making a slew of racist comments towards the 34-year-old. He then murdered 26-year-old Robert McDowell whom he solicited for sexual services after discovering a mixed-race Dowell was a man. Asay was sentenced to death for the murders the following year. Asay, 53, belonged to a white supremacist group while in prison.

Onon Thursday, Asay will diedby way of lethal injection in Florida. One of the three drugsthat will be used to kill Asay etomidate,has never been used in any other executions in the U.S.

Controversy has surrounded Floridas decision touse the drug for lethal injections.

Doctors hired by Asays lawyers claimed that on some occasions, the drug has caused pain andinvoluntary writhing in patients.

The Florida Department of Corrections follows the law and carries out the sentence of the court, Michelle Glady, the Florida Department of Corrections spokeswoman, said in a statement obtained by AP. This is the Departments most solemn duty and the foremost objective of the lethal injection procedure is a humane and dignified process.

In regards to the history, Florida will be making on Thursday, executive director of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty Mark Elliot doesnt consider the milestone to hold much implication.

This does nothing to change the 170-year-long history of Florida not executing whites for killing blacks, Elliottold AP.

In2005,Florida adopted the Stand Your Ground Law, a proposal by the corporate-fundedAmerican Legislative Council (ALEC). The law is used to pardon those who have injured or killed someone under suspicion their life was being threatened.Stand Your Groundwas used as the basis for the acquittal of Trayvon Martins killer George Zimmerman in 2013. In June, the law wasamended by Florida Governor Rick Scottto make claims of self-defense simpler.

Asay was also the first Florida man to be executed in 19 months after the U.S. Supreme Court put a hold on executions in the state.

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For First Time In Florida's History, A White Man Was Executed For Killing A Black Person - EBONY.com