2004 Executions - Lewis Williams, Jr. :
Executed January 14, 2004 at 10:15 a.m. in Ohio by lethal injection.
Summary of the Murder: Williams was found guilty of murdering his cousin's neighbor, 76-year-old Leoma Chmielewski, in her home on January 20, 1983. Williams beat Ms. Chmielewski around the face and shoulders, shot her in the mouth, and stomped on her chest, leaving a bloody shoe print on her nightgown.
Statistical Data:
Murderer - Lewis Williams, Jr.
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Date of Birth - December 26, 1958
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Race - Black
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Sex - Male
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Age when crime committed - 24
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Age when executed - 45
- Date of Sentence - November 23, 1983
Victim - Leoma Chmielewski
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Date of Murder - January 20, 1983
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Race - White
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Sex - Female
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Age when murdered - 76
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Method of Murder - Handgun
- Relationship to Murderer - Neighbor of Cousin
Details of the Crime:
The Investigation:
Williams was the last known person who was seen with Chiemlewski before she was killed.
Forensic Evidence:
Williams's Arrest:
Williams was arrested and during his incarceration, he told inmates of the county jail that he shot Chmielewski in the mouth and that he was worried that the police would discover blood on his shoe.
Found Guilty:
Appeals:
Procedural History:
- Williams v. Ohio, 124 S.Ct. 816 (2003) (Cert. Denied)
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Williams v. Coyle, 122 S.Ct. 2635 (2002) (Cert. Denied)
- Williams v. Anderson, 118 S.Ct. 1681 (1998) (Cert. Denied)
- Williams v. Dubose, 113 S.Ct. 665 (1992) (Cert. Denied)
- Williams v. Ohio, 107 S.Ct. 1385 (1987) (Cert. Denied)
- State v. Williams, Not Reported in N.E.2d (Ohio App. 1984) (Direct Appeal)
Controversy Over Lethal Injection Drug:Ohio’s lethal injection protocol includes a paralyzing agent, pancuronium bromide, that could leave the inmate conscious before death, but cast a chemical veil over the excruciatingly painful effects of death by suffocation and heart attack. On Dec. 31, 2003, the Office of the Ohio Public Defender filed a complaint arguing that Ohio’s use of pancuronium bromide violates inmates’ constitutional rights.
A three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the complaint on Jan. 12. The following day, the Public Defender requested that all 12 judges review the case. The 6th Circuit Court later rejected Williams’ request to stay the execution, as did the U.S. Supreme Court, by a 5-4 vote.
The Execution: Williams refused his last meal and drank only orange juice before the execution time.
On January 14, 2004, the day of Williams execution, it took a 12-person execution team to force Williams from his knees onto the preparation table. William struggled, yelling and shaking his head as the team worked to strap him down.
Once the shunts were in place Williams stopped fighting and began to chant. The guards then removed the straps and four guards carried him into the execution chamber. As he is being strapped onto the table he yelled out, "I'm not guilty, I'm not guilty, God, please help me." Williams last statement was, "God, please help me, God, please hear my cry." He continued to cry and yell until the chemicals took effect.
He was declared dead seven minutes after his last sound, at 10:15 a.m.
