Death Penalty and Execution Protest Photos, Photographs and Images
1000th U.S. Execution of Kenneth Lee Boyd
Demonstrations and Vigils in Raleigh, North Carolina
December 1 & 2, 2005

On the eve of December 2, 2005, protests occured around Raleigh, North Carolina as the 1000th U.S. execution since 1977 approached. At noon on December 1, a vigil was held outside the NC Governor's office in downtown Raleigh. At 7:00 p.m. a prayer service was held to pray for all victims of crime and the death penalty. Following the prayer service, a march to the prison brought protesters from around the country to Central Prison. At 2:00 a.m. the next morning, Kenneth Lee Boyd became the 1000th executed prisoner as hundreds gathered on the sidewalk outside the prison. 17 of those vigiling were arrested for attempting to enter the prison to stop the execution.


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A reporter interviews Sheila Stumph during a vigil for clemency at Noon the day before Boyd's execution.
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Kenneth Boyd, who was a veteran of the military, is shown in a photo at the capital clemency vigil. At 7 pm, seven hours before the execution, a prayer service is held for Boyd and his victims at a Baptist church in Raleigh.
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Following a prayer service for Boyd, protesters pour out into the street outside of the church to march to the prison. The Jewish Star of David is displayed in the interfaith procession from a nearby church to Central Prison.
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Marching to the prison.
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The candlelight procession to Central Prison, with a police escort. Higher security was imposed outside the prison, including police baricades. Vigil outside of Central Prison.
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Fr. Mark Reamer, and attorney Mary Pollard (left and center), listen to Alan Gell, an exonerated prisoner from NC's death row.
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Steve Dear of PFADP, right, talks to Abe Bonowitz of CUADP. A noose hangs in a display along the road by the prison. Two protesters hug before approaching the police line to stop Boyd's execution. They were both arrested with 15 others for trespassing.
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David Zoppo, of a NC Amnesty International high school group, speaks to the crowd gathered in the hours before Boyd's execution. 1000 Executions banner. Abe Bonowitz, of CUADP, speaks during the program.
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Shujja Graham, center in blue shirt and hat, is one of two former death row prisoners who protested the 1000th execution.
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All images © Scott Langley / Langley Creations Photography