Utah officials denied clemency to Taberon Dave Honie on Friday. He is set to be executed by lethal injection on August 8 for the 1998 stabbing death of his girlfriend’s mother.
Scott Stephenson, chair of the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, announced the decision in a brief statement, saying the board found no reason to change Honie’s death sentence.
During a recent hearing, Honie asked the board to change his sentence to life in prison. He claimed that his actions were influenced by heavy drinking and drug use, and that he regrets killing 49-year-old Claudia Benn. He also mentioned wanting to live to support his mother and daughter. His lawyers did not immediately comment on the decision.
Benn’s family, devastated by her death, urged the board to proceed with the execution. They described Benn as a significant figure in their community and a caring individual.
Honie, who had a troubled relationship with Benn’s daughter, broke into Benn’s house in Cedar City on July 9, 1998, and attacked her while her grandchildren, including his own daughter, were present. Benn’s niece testified that the murder was “sick” and supported the execution.
Honie was convicted of aggravated murder in 1999. The judge also found that he had sexually abused a child, which contributed to the decision for the death penalty.
Honie’s defense highlighted his traumatic childhood on the Hopi Indian Reservation, arguing that his parents’ abusive experiences in government boarding schools and their neglect contributed to his criminal behavior. However, the state argued that Honie caused further trauma by killing Benn.
Utah has not carried out an execution since 2010. Honie is one of six people awaiting execution in the state. The Utah Supreme Court recently overturned the death sentence of another inmate, Douglas Lovell, who will be resentenced.
Honie’s execution warrant was signed in June, despite his defense’s objections to the drug combination planned for his execution. The case is still ongoing, with his lawyers working to ensure his constitutional rights are protected. Prison officials will allow one of his lawyers to have phone access during the execution in case an emergency motion needs to be filed.