SOUTH CAROLINA - McWee put to death for killing Aiken County store clerk

With a minister's hand on her shoulder, Jerry McWee's mother sobbed after her son was put to death Friday for killing an Aiken County convenience store clerk in July 1991.

McWee, 51, blew a kiss at his mom and she blew one back. A tear formed in his eye as his final words asking for forgiveness were read.

That tear finally rolled down the side of his head moments after he stopped breathing. More than 10 minutes later, McWee was officially declared dead at 6:18 p.m.

Authorities say McWee took clerk John Perry to the back of the country store and shot him twice in the head before stealing $350 from the cash register.

McWee lost a final appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and a plea for clemency to the governor earlier this week.

McWee becomes the 2nd condemned inmate to be put to death this year in South Carolina and the 30th inmate overall since the state resumed capital punishment in 1985.

McWee becomes the 23rd condemned inmate to be put to death this year in the USA and the 908th overall since America resumed executions on January 17, 1977.

(sources: Associated Press & Rick Halperin)