Thursday, the State of Alabama executed Michael Brandon Samra for participating in the 1997 quadruple murder of Randy Duke, Dedra Mims Hunt and her six and seven-year-old daughters, Chelisa and Chelsea.
Following the execution, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) released a statement:
“For more than 20 years, the loved ones of Randy, Dedra and her two young daughters Chelisa and Chelsea have mourned an unbearable and unimaginable loss,” Ivey said. “Four lives were brutally taken far too soon because of the malicious, intentional and planned-out murders by Michael Brandon Samra.”
“Alabama will not stand for the loss of life in our state, and with this heinous crime, we must respond with punishment,” Ivey stated. “These four victims deserved a future, and Mr. Samra took that opportunity away from them and did so with no sense of remorse. This evening justice has been delivered to the loved ones of these victims, and it signals that Alabama does not tolerate murderous acts of any nature. After careful consideration of the horrendous nature of the crime, the jury’s decision and all factors surrounding the case, the state of Alabama carried out Mr. Samra’s sentence this evening. Although this can never recover the lives lost, I pray that their loved ones can finally find a sense of peace.”
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) issued a statement following the execution of inmate Michael Brandon Samra at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore.
“On March 23, 1997, Michael Samra and his friend Mark Duke coldly executed their plan to murder Duke’s father, Randy Duke, along with his father’s girlfriend, Dedra Hunt, and her six- and seven year-old daughters, Chelisa and Chelsea,” Marshall said. “One cannot possibly imagine a more terrifying ordeal for the victims. Randy Duke was shot in the head. Dedra Hunt was shot multiple times as she attempted to flee with one of her daughters. Samra and Duke then proceeded to kill both of the young girls, cutting their throats. Samra was convicted of capital murder in 1998 and received his just punishment: a sentence of death. After too many years of delay, justice has finally been served. Tonight, we pray for the victims and for their families, that they might find peace and closure.”
