Taberon Honie Executed in Utah Prison: A Look at His Final Moments

In a significant event early Thursday morning, Taberon Honie was executed in the Utah State Correctional Facility, making him the first death row inmate to be executed in the state since 2010.

At 12:04 a.m., the lethal injection began, delivering a dose of pentobarbital into Honie’s veins. Before the procedure started, he expressed his love to his family, saying, ‘I love you’ through the reflective glass separating them.

Honie, 48, had been sentenced to death back in 1999 for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend’s mother, Claudia Benn. As he lay on the gurney wearing an orange jumpsuit, he was strapped down with leather restraints, a white sheet covering his lower body.

During his final words, Honie spoke quickly but calmly. He urged the people he loved to continue changing and seeking healing. Afterward, he seemingly accepted his fate, saying thank you to the officials present, and turned again to proclaim his love to his family.

Witnesses described Honie’s death as quiet and without signs of suffering. The execution began without any issues regarding the IV lines, which were set up successfully on the first attempt.

As Honie’s body began to show the signs of the drug taking effect, his breathing slowed until it stopped completely. His skin turned pale as he lay still on the gurney, and at 12:21 a.m., a second dose of the drug was administered, ensuring the lethality of the injection.

After he was pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m., members of the Hopi Tribe, including his father and cousin, were allowed in for a ceremonial moment to help his soul find peace. The ceremony included the use of bird feathers and cornmeal.

Earlier in the day, Honie had a chance to connect with family, spending time with them, and reflecting on his life before his execution. He had spent the previous hours eating a cheeseburger and chatting with loved ones, maintaining a gracious mood.