Arkansas puts Ledell Lee to death, in its first execution since 2005

The state of Arkansas executed death row inmate Ledell Lee late Thursday, its first death sentence since 2005. Lee is the first of four inmates scheduled to die before the end of the month, before a supply of a lethal injection drug expires. Lee did not make a final statement. Instead of a last meal, he asked to receive communion, an official said, adding that he was given grape juice or water rather than sacramental wine. Ledell Lee was condemned to death for the murder of Debra Reese more than 20 years ago in a Little Rock suburb.