Joseph Franklin a/k/a James Vaughn, Jr., Executed in Missouri

Joseph Franklin a/k/a James Vaughn, Jr., Missouri

Joseph Paul Franklin a/k/a James Clayton Vaughn, Jr., was executed by the state of Missouri on November 20, 2013. He was pronounced dead at 6:17 am CST, inside the execution chamber at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic, and Corrections Center in Bonne Terre, Missouri. Joseph was 63 years of age. He was executed for the murder of 42-year-old Gerald Gordon outside of a synagogue in Richmond Heights, Missouri, on October 8, 1977.

Over the course of four years, Joseph killed an unknown number of individuals across several states. His motives for killing were racially motivated. Joseph has been convicted of killing eight people and confessed to killing 17 more people.  He is also suspected of killing 21 other people.

Growing up in Mobile, Alabama, Joseph became interested in Adolf Hitler and groups that espoused similar racist beliefs. Joseph was also a member of the National Socialist White People’s Party and the Ku Klux Klan. Joseph was also physically and psychologically abused by his parents. His father was an alcoholic. Joseph dropped out of school after the 10th grade. Joseph served in a branch of the Alabama National Guard.

Please pray for peace and healing for the family of Gerald Gordon and for all those who have been hurt by Joseph’s actions. Please pray for the family of Joseph.

For more information regarding how your financial support can help, please click here.