Governor Corbett Signs Two Execution Warrants

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today signed execution warrants for the following two individuals:

• James A. Dennis, of Philadelphia County, who was convicted of first-degree murder in October 1992. Dennis, 40, shot and killed 17-year-old Chedell Williams in October 1991 during a robbery attempt as she walked home from school. Police said Dennis grabbed the girl's earrings and then shot her. Dennis is a prisoner at the State Correctional Institution at Greene. His execution is scheduled for May 10.
• Richard R. Laird, of Bucks County, who was convicted of first-degree murder in the December 1987 stabbing death of 26-year-old Anthony Milano. Witnesses said the two men met in a tavern and Milano was last seen alive giving Laird a ride home. Laird, 47, is held at the State Correctional Institution at Greene. His execution is scheduled for May 12.

These warrants are Corbett's third and fourth execution warrants.

Media contact: Janet Kelley, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor