Two Cooey attorneys and his spritual advisor witnessed the execution.  His family did not travel to Lucasville. 

 

Wendy Offredo's family declined to attend as well and instead offered their seats to Dawn McCreery's family.  Bevan Walsh was not a witness.

 

 

 

Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh addressed the media this morning after the State's execution of Richard Cooey for murdering Akron University student's Dawn McCreery and Wendy Offredo. The family asked Prosecutor Walsh to speak on their behalf.

The family made the following three points:

1) "With all of the efforts Cooey made to argue cruel and unusual punishment, he just demonstrated that even in the most extreme cases, the process was quick and apparently painless.

2) "It was disappointing that even in his last moments, he still would not apologize or take any responsibility. Instead, he was vulgar and hateful to the end.

3) "To the families who are going through the same ordeal, have faith...the system eventually works."

Prosecutor Walsh concluded with her own words, saying, "It is time to take the focus off of Richard Cooey and to put it where it belongs, on the memories of Dawn and Wendy and everything their families have endured for the past 22 years, and will continue to endure for the rest of their lives."