DLNews Law & Order

He ordered M&Ms and pizza as his last meal

In Starke, Florida, Loran Cole's last meal included pizza, ice cream, M&Ms, and mineral water. He was executed at the Florida State Prison with a lethal injection on Thursday, and a doctor declared the 57-year-old dead at 6:15 p.m. local time.

Cole's legal representatives endeavored to forestall the execution until the final moments. They contended that their client suffered from a mental illness, brain damage, and Parkinson's disease. Despite their arguments, the US Supreme Court remained unpersuaded.

Three decades ago, Loran Cole and his accomplice William Paul inflicted severe distress upon an unsuspecting family. These individuals had established a rapport with a brother and sister in Ocala National Park. After assisting 18-year-old John Edwards and his 21-year-old sister in setting up their tent, the group proceeded to a nearby pond to capture images of crocodiles.

On the way there, the two killers attacked the young woman and tied her hands behind her back. When the brother tried to rush to help, they smashed Edwards' skull and slit his throat! The sister was led back to the campsite and raped there. The next day, the two killers tied her between two trees and raped the defenseless student again. She finally freed herself and stopped a driver to get help.

"Scars that never go away"

While Paul (then 20) received a life sentence, Cole, seven years older, was sentenced to death. The victim's parents did not attend the execution.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our son and the trauma our daughter has endured. Despite her invisible scars, she has bravely battled fear, pain, and grief for many years. Our hearts are heavy, and we cannot find any sympathy or compassion for Mr. Cole. He deserves no mercy."