Missouri executes man with gender dysphoria for 2003 murder of ex-girlfriend

Tonight, Jan. 3, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. the state of Missouri executed an inmate who is thought to be the first openly gender dysphoric man. It is unknown as to whether Amber [formerly Scott] McLaughlin, 49, went through with gender mutilation but he did grow his hair, wore lipstick, and said that he believed he is a woman after he was initially incarcerated.

McLaughlin died by lethal injection for the 2003 murder of his girlfriend, Beverly Guenther. He had exhaused all previous appeals of execution and only Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) could allow him to forgo the eye-for-an-eye sentence but he didn't .

"McLaughlin’s conviction and sentence remains after multiple, thorough examinations of Missouri law. McLaughlin stalked, raped, and murdered Ms. Guenther. McLaughlin is a violent criminal," Parson said in a statement. "Ms. Guenther's family and loved ones deserve peace. The State of Missouri will carry out McLaughlin’s sentence according to the Court's order and deliver justice."

McLaughlin's attorney, Larry Komp, said there were no court appeals pending. The execution was carried out at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre, Missouri.

So while McLaughlin was a member of a supposed 'victim' class, he was treated the same way any murderer with a death sentence and no appeals remaining would be treated.

To ensure the execution was carried out properly, Mr. McLaughlin''s arm was swabbed with isopropyl alcohol prior to the lethal injection.

For more on McLaughlin, check out my post here.

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