Leo E. Edwards, Jr.

Death Penalty Information Center Info

Date of Execution: 06/21/1989

  • Age: 36

  • Race: Black

  • State: Mississippi

  • Region: South

  • Method: Gas

  • Sex: Male

  • DPIC ID: 113

  • County: Hinds County

via Death Penalty Information Center

Brief Case History

Leo Edwards was convicted of murder while engaged in the commission of a robbery in March 1981. He was sentenced to death. Edwards and his legal team filed an appeal citing eight counts of misconduct during his trial. This appeal was denied, as were all other appeals, petitions, and motions for leniency.

Edwards was executed on June 21st, 1989. He was the last person Mississippi executed in the gas chamber.

via Edwards v. State (No. 53298) and Leo E. EDWARDS, Jr., Petitioner-Appellant,
v. Gene A. SCROGGY, Commissioner, Mississippi Department of Corrections, et al., Respondents-Appellees (No. 87-4553)

excerpt of the June 22nd, 1989 New York Times article on Edwards’ execution