Robert Bacon

Timeline

• 10/2/01 — Gov. Michael Easley commuted Robert Bacon Jr.’s death sentence to life in prison without parole.
• 9/18/01 — The execution was rescheduled to Oct. 5, 2001 at the request of Gov. Michael Easley.
• 8/15/01 — A new execution date was set for Sept. 21, 2001.
• 8/2/01 — A stay of execution was dissolved.
• 5/17/2001 — The North Carolina Supreme Court agreed to hear a case brought by inmates Robert Bacon, Richard Cagle and Elton McLaughlin.
• 5/15/2001 — The North Carolina Supreme Court vacated a restraining order, allowing a clemency hearing to proceed.
• 5/14/2001 — Superior Court Judge David LaBarre issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting Gov. Michael Easley from holding a clemency hearing in the Bacon case.
• 4/5/2001 — An execution date was set for May 18, 2001.
• 6/4/1987 — Robert Bacon Jr. was convicted in Onslow County.
• 2/1/1987 — Glennie Clark was murdered.
• 04/15/1960 — Robert Bacon Jr.’s date of birth.

Background

Robert Bacon Jr. was a Death Row inmate identified as (#0013955). His date of birth was 04/15/1960, and he was 40 at the time of the execution scheduling coverage.

Bacon was convicted for the Feb. 1, 1987 murder of Glennie Clark, his girlfriend’s estranged husband.

The offence

Bacon received the death sentence for the Feb. 1, 1987 murder of Glennie Clark.

Bacon was also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and sentenced to three years in prison.

Investigation

The record does not provide investigation details beyond the conviction and sentencing described.

Trial

Bacon was convicted June 4, 1987 in Onslow County.

Sentencing

Appeals

• On 5/17/2001, the North Carolina Supreme Court agreed to hear a case brought by inmates Robert Bacon, Richard Cagle and Elton McLaughlin.
• The execution was stayed pending hearing on June 7.
• On 5/15/2001, the North Carolina Supreme Court vacated a restraining order, allowing clemency hearing to proceed.
• On 5/14/2001, Superior Court Judge David LaBarre issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting Gov. Michael Easley from holding clemency hearing in the Bacon case.
• A stay of execution was dissolved on 8/2/01.

Outcome

On 10/2/01, Gov. Michael Easley commuted Bacon’s sentence to life in prison without parole, stating:

"I am satisfied that the prosecutors and judges acted fairly and professionally in this case. However, as Governor, my review of this matter in its totality causes me to conclude that the appropriate sentence for the defendant is life without parole."

After the commutation, Bacon was to serve life in prison without parole.

Aftermath

Execution scheduling and postponements

• On 4/5/2001, Correction Secretary Theodis Beck set May 18, 2001 as the execution date for Bacon; the execution was tentatively scheduled for 2 a.m. at Central Prison. An execution date was originally scheduled for May 18, but was stayed by the North Carolina Supreme Court. The stay was dissolved Aug. 2.
• On 8/15/01, Correction Secretary Theodis Beck set Sept. 21 as the execution date for Bacon. The execution was tentatively scheduled for 2 a.m. at Central Prison.
• On 9/18/01, execution rescheduled for Oct. 5, 2001 at request of Gov. Michael Easley. Cari Hepp, spokesperson for Governor Mike Easley, said:

"Because of the travel and communication disruptions, as well as court closings, that followed last week's tragic events, the Governor has requested that the Secretary of Correction postpone the scheduled execution date of Robert Bacon," "The postponement is to ensure that the defendant and his attorneys have full access to the courts."

The Secretary of Correction set an October 5 execution date for Mr. Bacon.

Media tour and execution chamber access

A media tour at Central Prison was scheduled for Monday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. It was described as the only time the news media would be allowed to photograph the execution chamber and death watch area before the execution. Warden R.C. Lee would explain execution procedures, and the session was stated to last approximately one hour. Reporters and photographers were instructed to be at Central Prison’s visitor center promptly at 10 a.m.

Other details

The record includes references to Robert Bacon Jr., Richard Cagle, and Elton McLaughlin being inmates whose case was considered by the North Carolina Supreme Court.