Thomas West Executed in Arizona

Thomas West, Arizona

The state of Arizona executed Thomas Paul West on July 19, 2011. Thomas was pronounced dead at 11:10 am local time, inside the execution chamber at the Central Unit of the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence, Arizona. Thomas was 52 years of age. He was executed for the robbery and murder of 53-year-old Donald Lee Bortle on July 12, 1987, in Tucson, Arizona. Thomas bragged to friends about what he had done, before fleeing the state. He was arrested in Illinois after a friend alerted police. Thomas spent the last 23 years of his life on Arizona’s death row.

As a child, Thomas’ father verbally and physically abused him. Thomas was also sexually abused by a teacher, a neighbor, and a priest. Thomas dropped out of school after the ninth grade. As an adult, Thomas became addicted to drugs and alcohol.  Before his arrest, Thomas installed drywall.

Please pray for peace and healing for the family of Donald Bortle. Please pray for the family of Thomas.

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