Governor Ivey, AG Steve Marshall release statements after execution of Willie B. Smith III

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBMA) — Willie B. Smith III was executed at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama Thursday for the 1991 murder of Sharma Ruth Johnson.

Smith was convicted for abducting Johnson from an ATM in Trussville then shooting her in a nearby cemetery.

This was Smith's second execution date set. His first was back in February, but it was not carried out due to a stipulation granting the presence of a pastor.

SEE ALSO: "It's been 30 long years": Friend hopes for closure after execution of Willie B. Smith

SEE ALSO: Alabama man faces 2nd execution date this year for 1991 killing

Governor Kay Ivey released the following statement after Smith's execution:

Sharma Ruth Johnson was abducted at gunpoint, threatened while in the trunk of the car, terrorized, assaulted, and ultimately, Willie B. Smith, III brutally killed her. In that final moment of this young lady’s short life, Mr. Smith, after learning Ms. Johnson was related to a law enforcement officer, made the choice to put a shotgun to her head, stealing this woman’s future.

“Even after these heinous crimes were committed, Mr. Smith made the choice to burn the vehicle to hide his fingerprints. He knew full well he was doing wrong. This was an absolutely horrendous act against Ms. Johnson. It is also an attack on our men and women in blue.

“In dealing with this unimaginable and tragic loss, her loved ones have endured years of Mr. Smith attempting to avoid due punishment and then a delayed execution earlier this year. Mr. Smith had more time on death row than Ms. Johnson had in this life.

“The evidence in this case was overwhelming, and justice has been rightfully served. The carrying out of Mr. Smith’s sentence sends the message that the state of Alabama will not tolerate these murderous acts. I pray that the loved ones of Ms. Johnson can be closer to finding peace.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall also released a statement following the execution:

Justice has been served. Tonight, Willie Smith was put to death for the heinous crime he committed nearly three decades ago: the abduction and execution-style murder of an innocent young woman, Sharma Johnson.

When a capital murderer is due to receive his just punishment, one always hears accusations of “cruel and unusual punishment,” with that term rarely used in a way that accords with its constitutional meaning—and absolutely never used in reference to the victim’s loved ones.

The family of Sharma Johnson has had to wait 29 years, 11 months, and 25 days to see the sentence of Sharma’s murderer be carried out. Finally, the cruel and unusual punishment that has been inflicted upon them—a decadeslong denial of justice—has come to an end.

I ask the people of Alabama to join me in praying for Sharma’s family and friends, that they might now be able to find peace and closure.