For that crime, he was finally put to death Wednesday. Demps said he was innocent, but the dying victim identified him. Before he died, Demps turned to religion, which comforted him at the end. If Demps had been executed for the original murders, the stabbing victim might have been able to fight off his other two attackers. If it had happened later, there might have been another killing.
Executions are a certain deterrent.
Without the threat of a death penalty, armed robbers would have an incentive to make sure no witnesses were left behind. Also, prison guards and other inmates would be at greater risk. Enter words describing a concept or keywords.