Ricky Ray Rector

Ricky Ray Rector

Ricky Ray Rector
Born	Ricky Ray Rector (1950-01-12)January 12, 1950 Conway, Arkansas, U.S.
Died	January 24, 1992(1992-01-24) (aged 42) Varner Unit, Grady, Arkansas, U.S.
Cause of death	Execution by lethal injection
Nationality	American
Criminal status	Executed
Criminal charge	Murder
Penalty	Death

Ricky Ray Rector (January 12, 1950 – January 24, 1992) was an American criminal convicted of murder and executed in the state of Arkansas. His case became notable due to the circumstances surrounding his mental state and the legal and ethical debates it sparked regarding the execution of individuals with mental illness.

Early Life

Ricky Ray Rector was born in Conway, Arkansas, on January 12, 1950. Little is known about his early life, but he grew up in a period marked by significant social and economic challenges.

Criminal Activity

In 1981, Rector was involved in a shooting incident at a nightclub in Conway, Arkansas, which resulted in the death of a man named Arthur Criswell. Following this incident, Rector fled and was later approached by police officer Robert Martin. Rector agreed to surrender but instead shot and killed Officer Martin. After the murder, Rector attempted to commit suicide by shooting himself in the head, which resulted in a severe brain injury.

Trial and Conviction

Rector was tried and convicted of the murders of Arthur Criswell and Officer Robert Martin. During his trial, questions were raised about his mental competency due to the brain injury he sustained. Despite these concerns, Rector was found competent to stand trial and was sentenced to death.

Mental Competency and Execution

Rector's mental state became a focal point of his case. His lawyers argued that the brain injury he sustained left him with significant cognitive impairments, rendering him unable to understand the nature of his execution. Despite these arguments, the courts upheld his death sentence.

Rector was executed by lethal injection on January 24, 1992, at the Varner Unit in Grady, Arkansas. His execution was controversial and drew significant media attention, particularly because of his apparent lack of understanding of his impending death. Notably, Rector saved a portion of his last meal, reportedly to eat later, which was cited as evidence of his impaired mental state.

Legacy

The case of Ricky Ray Rector remains a significant point of reference in discussions about the death penalty and the execution of individuals with mental impairments. It has been cited in various legal and ethical debates and continues to be a topic of study in the fields of criminal justice and mental health law.

See Also

• Death penalty in the United States
• Mental illness and crime
• Lethal injection
• Capital punishment