"Frank Atwood, Who Was Tonsured a Monk With the Name Ephraim, Has Been Executed"

Today, around 20:00, Schimonah Ephrem (Frank Atwood) went to be with the Lord.

It was confirmed not long ago that Frank Atwood was executed this morning by the State of Arizona through lethal injection. Atwood was sedated at 10:10 a.m. and was pronounced dead at 10:16 a.m., media witnesses said. He was 66 years old, having been sentenced in 1987 for the kidnapping and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Pima County, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson. Frank maintained his innocence till the end. His last words, addressed to his clergyman, who was with him in his final moments, were: "Thank you, my dear father, for coming today and guiding me on the path of faith." I want to thank my wonderful wife for loving me with all her being. I want to thank my friends and legal team and most of all Jesus Christ who through this unfair trial has led me to my salvation. I pray that God will have mercy on us all and that the Lord will have mercy on me too”. Let us pray for his soul!

"...I want to thank my friends and legal team, and most of all, Jesus Christ through this unfair judicial process that led to my salvation."

The state of Arizona executed Frank Atwood by lethal injection today at the state prison in Florence. Atwood, 66, was sentenced in 1987 for the kidnapping and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Pima County, Vicki Lynne Hoskinson.

“Today marks final justice for our daughter Vicki Lynne. Our family has waited 37 years, eight months and 22 days for this day to come,” Debbie Carlson, Vicki Lynne's mother, said while choking back tears during the media briefing following the execution. “Vicki was a vibrant little girl with an infectious laugh and a smile that would melt your heart.”

According to Frank Strada, Arizona Department of Corrections director, this is Frank Atwood's final statement, first addressing Elder Paisios from the nearby Saint Anthony's Monastery who accompanied him to his execution:

“Thank you, precious Father, for coming today and shepherding me into faith. I want to thank my beautiful wife who has loved me with everything she has. I want to thank my friends and legal team, and most of all, Jesus Christ through this unfair judicial process that led to my salvation. I pray the Lord will have mercy on all of us and that the Lord will have mercy on me.”

Source: orthochristian.com