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| name = Demetrius Terrence Frazier | name = Demetrius Terrence Frazier
| image = Demetrius Terrence Frazier.jpeg | image = Demetrius Terrence Frazier.jpeg
| caption = 2021 ] mugshot of Demetrius Terrence Frazier | caption = ] mugshot of Demetrius Terrence Frazier
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|10|29}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|10|29}}
| birth_place = ], U.S. | birth_place = ], U.S.
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| allegiance = | allegiance =
| motive = | motive =
| conviction = '''Alabama'''<br>]<br>Murder in the course of rape<br>'''Michigan'''<br>Felony murder<br>Armed robbery<br>Felony firearms possession<br>First-degree criminal sexual misconduct (×2) | conviction = '''Alabama'''<br>]<br>Murder<br>'''Michigan'''<br>Felony murder<br>Armed robbery<br>Felony firearms possession<br>First-degree criminal sexual misconduct (×2)
| conviction_penalty = '''Alabama'''<br>] – capital murder<br>] – murder in the course of rape<br>'''Michigan'''<br>Life imprisonment (x4) plus 60 to 90 years' jail | conviction_penalty = '''Alabama'''<br>] – capital murder<br>] – murder<br>'''Michigan'''<br>Life imprisonment (x4) plus 60 to 90 years' jail
| conviction_status = Incarcerated on ] in Alabama | conviction_status = Incarcerated on ] in Alabama
| victims = '''Murdered'''<br>Pauline Starks Brown, 40<br>Crystal Kendrick, 14<br>'''Alive'''<br>Eight other rape victims<br>Several robbery victims
| victims = 2
| date = 1991 – 1992 | date = 1991 – 1992
| locations = ], ] | locations = ], ]
| imprisoned = ] (Michigan; 1993–2011)<br>] (Alabama; 2011–present) | imprisoned = ] (Michigan; 1993–2011)<br>] (Alabama; 2011–present)
}} }}
'''Demetrius Terrence Frazier''' (born October 29, 1972) is a convicted murderer and ] who is currently on ] in ] for the 1991 rape and murder of 40-year-old Pauline Brown. Frazier, who was also involved in the 1992 murder of 14-year-old Crystal Kendrick in ], had raped and fatally shot Brown after a robbery on November 27, 1991, and confessed to the crime after his arrest in ], Michigan for the murder of Kendrick, whom he had shot to death while attempting to rape the girl.<ref>{{cite news|title=Court |work=Gadsden Times|date=January 1, 2000}}</ref><ref name="Man faces murder count in slaying of girl, 14">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-demetrius-frazier/162548109/|title=Man faces murder count in slaying of girl, 14 |work=Detroit Free Press|date=July 9, 1992|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> '''Demetrius Terrence Frazier''' (born October 29, 1972) is an American convicted murderer and ] who is currently on ] in ] for the 1991 rape and murder of 40-year-old Pauline Brown, after a robbery on November 27, 1991. Frazier confessed to Brown's murder after his arrest in ], Michigan, for the 1992 murder of 14-year-old Crystal Kendrick in ], whom he had shot to death while attempting to rape the girl.<ref>{{cite news|title=Court |work=Gadsden Times|date=January 1, 2000}}</ref><ref name="Man faces murder count in slaying of girl, 14">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-demetrius-frazier/162548109/|title=Man faces murder count in slaying of girl, 14 |work=Detroit Free Press|date=July 9, 1992|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Besides his two murder convictions, Frazier was suspected of raping eight other women in Michigan; and was tried and found guilty of two of those rapes by a ] jury.<ref name="Michigan Department of Corrections"/><ref name="Man faces murder count in slaying of girl, 14"/><ref name="Rape suspect socks prosecutor in court"/>


For the rape-murder of Brown, Frazier was convicted of capital murder and ]. He was also given a life sentence for the offences he committed in Michigan. Frazier is currently awaiting his execution by ] on February 6, 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mynbc15.com/news/local/alabama-montgomery-governor-kay-ivey-execution-time-frame-for-an-alabama-death-row-inmate-demetrius-terrence-frazier|title=Governor Ivey sets execution window for Alabama inmate Demetrius Frazier|work=NBC 15 |date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> For the murder of Brown, Frazier was convicted of ] and ] in 1996. He was also given multiple life sentences in 1993 for the murder of Kendrick and other offences he committed in Michigan; he spent over 18 years at the ] in Michigan until 2011, when he was transferred to the ] in Alabama, home to the state's death row.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsfa.com/story/15937786/death-row-inmate-returned-to-alabama/|title=Death row inmate returned to Alabama|work=WSFA |date=November 3, 2011}}</ref>

Frazier is currently awaiting his execution by ] on February 6, 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mynbc15.com/news/local/alabama-montgomery-governor-kay-ivey-execution-time-frame-for-an-alabama-death-row-inmate-demetrius-terrence-frazier|title=Governor Ivey sets execution window for Alabama inmate Demetrius Frazier|work=NBC 15 |date=January 7, 2025}}</ref>


==Murders== ==Murders==
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===Pauline Brown=== ===Pauline Brown===
On November 27, 1991, in ], Frazier passed by one of the ground floor apartments in the area when he noticed that the apartment itself had a light on, and therefore formulated an intention to commit robbery. Frazier removed the screen from the window and entered through the window. Frazier searched around the apartment and found some money, amounting to $10 in cash. He then went to another room, where he found 40-year-old Pauline Brown asleep.<ref name="Frazier v. State (1999)">''Frazier v. State'' , ] (United States).</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Alabama to execute Demetrius Frazier by nitrogen hypoxia |url=https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/crime/2025/01/07/alabama-to-execute-demetrius-frazier-by-nitrogen-hypoxia/77520989007/?taid=677dd51a7f2ea00001a029b7&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter |work=The Tuscaloosa News|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> On November 27, 1991, in ], Frazier passed by one of the ground floor apartments in the area when he noticed that the apartment itself had a light on, and therefore formulated an intention to commit robbery. Frazier removed the screen from the window and entered through the window. Frazier searched around the apartment and found some money, amounting to $10 in cash. He then went to another room, where he found 40-year-old Pauline Starks Brown asleep.<ref name="Frazier v. State (1999)">''Frazier v. State'' , ] (United States).</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Alabama to execute Demetrius Frazier by nitrogen hypoxia |url=https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/crime/2025/01/07/alabama-to-execute-demetrius-frazier-by-nitrogen-hypoxia/77520989007/?taid=677dd51a7f2ea00001a029b7&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter |work=The Tuscaloosa News|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref>

After waking her up, Frazier demanded more money, and she gave him $80. Frazier then threatened her with a gun, and during the encounter, Brown begged for her life and was additionally raped by Frazier on gunpoint. Frazier fired a shot and left the apartment briefly to check if anyone had heard it. When Frazier returned, he found that Brown had died. Frazier searched the apartment for more money, ate some food, and left the apartment, and he also disposed of the gun.<ref name="Frazier v. State (1999)"/><ref name="Who is Demetrius Frazier">{{cite news|url=https://www.wvtm13.com/article/demetrius-frazier-alabama-execution-nitrogen/63364169|title=Who is Demetrius Frazier? Behind Alabama's first inmate set to be executed in 2025|work=WVTM|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref>


The body of Brown was eventually found by Tyrone Mitchell, who was a co-worker and friend of Brown. Mitchell arrived at the home of Brown after the latter, who was supposed to give him a ride to their workplace to attend their work shift, did not show up for work and he showed concern over her absence. Mitchell and two maintenance men managed to open the window into Brown's apartment and it led to the discovery of Brown's body, which laid face down inside the bedroom. At the time of her death, Brown was survived by her two daughters and one grandchild (who was born a few weeks prior to Brown's death).<ref name="Who is Demetrius Frazier"/>
After waking her up, Frazier demanded more money, and she gave him $80. Frazier then threatened her with a gun, and during the encounter, Brown begged for her life and was additionally raped by Frazier on gunpoint. Frazier fired a shot and left the apartment briefly to check if anyone had heard it. When Frazier returned, he found that Brown had died. Frazier searched the apartment for more money, ate some food, and left the apartment, and he also disposed of the gun.<ref name="Frazier v. State (1999)"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wvtm13.com/article/demetrius-frazier-alabama-execution-nitrogen/63364169|title=Who is Demetrius Frazier? Behind Alabama's first inmate set to be executed in 2025|work=WVTM|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref>


===Crystal Kendrick=== ===Crystal Kendrick===
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On July 9, 1992, Frazier was charged with first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Crystal Kendrick. He was also charged with raping eight other women.<ref name="Man faces murder count in slaying of girl, 14"/><ref name="Rape suspect socks prosecutor in court"/> On July 9, 1992, Frazier was charged with first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Crystal Kendrick. He was also charged with raping eight other women.<ref name="Man faces murder count in slaying of girl, 14"/><ref name="Rape suspect socks prosecutor in court"/>


Prior to his trial for murdering Kendrick, Frazier and his lawyers attempted to have his confession to Kendrick's killing ruled inadmissible. Frazier submitted that he fell in love with Detroit homicide detective Monica Childs, who was in charge of the case, and he was thus tricked into confessing to both the murders of Kendrick and Pauline Brown. He was allegedly offered a promise to not be sent back to Alabama to stand trial for Brown's murder, given that ] while ] for murder offences. However, the confession was ultimately ruled admissible in court after the courts rejected Frazier's allegations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-demetrius-frazier/162548144/|title=Lovelorn suspect's confession admissible in murder trial|work=Detroit Free Press|date=November 14, 1992|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Frazier also reportedly punched a prosecutor in court during his pre-trial hearing.<ref name="Rape suspect socks prosecutor in court">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-demetrius-frazier/162548132/|title=Rape suspect socks prosecutor in court |work=Detroit Free Press|date=September 26, 1992|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Prior to his trial for murdering Kendrick, Frazier and his lawyers attempted to have his confession to Kendrick's killing ruled inadmissible. Frazier submitted that he fell in love with Detroit homicide detective Monica Childs, who was in charge of the case, and he was thus tricked into confessing to both the murders of Kendrick and Pauline Brown. According to Frazier's counsel, Childs allegedly offered Frazier a promise that he would not be sent back to Alabama to stand trial for Brown's murder, given that ] while ] for murder offences. However, the confession was ultimately ruled admissible in court after the courts rejected Frazier's allegations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-demetrius-frazier/162548144/|title=Lovelorn suspect's confession admissible in murder trial|work=Detroit Free Press|date=November 14, 1992|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Frazier also reportedly punched a prosecutor in court during his pre-trial hearing.<ref name="Rape suspect socks prosecutor in court">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-demetrius-frazier/162548132/|title=Rape suspect socks prosecutor in court |work=Detroit Free Press|date=September 26, 1992|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


On April 8, 1993, a Michigan trial court found Frazier guilty of felony murder and felony firearms possession in the case of Crystal Kendrick's death. Frazier was sentenced to double terms of ] for both counts.<ref name="Michigan Department of Corrections">{{cite news|url=https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=230437|title=BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION / DEMETRIUS FRAZIER|work=Michigan Department of Corrections|access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abc3340.com/archive/death-row-inmate-returned-to-alabama|title=Death row inmate returns to Alabama|work=ABC 3340|date=November 3, 2011}}</ref> On April 8, 1993, a Michigan trial court found Frazier guilty of felony murder and felony firearms possession in the case of Crystal Kendrick's death. Frazier was sentenced to double terms of ] for both counts.<ref name="Michigan Department of Corrections">{{cite news|url=https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=230437|title=BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION / DEMETRIUS FRAZIER|work=Michigan Department of Corrections|access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abc3340.com/archive/death-row-inmate-returned-to-alabama|title=Death row inmate returns to Alabama|work=ABC 3340|date=November 3, 2011}}</ref>


In addition to the charges he faced for Kendrick's death, Frazier was also tried by the judiciary of Michigan for other rape and robbery cases he committed prior to the murder of Kendrick, mainly one case of armed robbery and two cases of rape committed on September 1, 1991. Frazier was sentenced to another two life terms, plus 60 to 90 years' jail for these cases on October 20, 1993.<ref name="Michigan Department of Corrections"/> In addition to the charges he faced for Kendrick's death, Frazier was also tried in Michigan for other rape and robbery cases he committed prior to the murder of Kendrick, mainly one case of armed robbery and two cases of rape committed on September 1, 1991. Frazier was handed another two life sentences, plus 60 to 90 years' jail for these cases on October 20, 1993.<ref name="Michigan Department of Corrections"/>


===Alabama=== ===Alabama===
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On June 5, 1996, Frazier was found guilty of one count of capital murder under the circumstances of robbery and one lesser charge of murder in the course of rape. Before the jury's verdict was delivered, Frazier reportedly lashed out at the jury, a majority of which consisted of White jurors, for being allegedly racist towards him and even threw a pen at them.<ref>{{cite news|title=Unruly defendant put in glass room|work=The Tuscaloosa News|date=June 6, 1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-demetrius-frazier/162548267/|title=Jury finds Frazier guilty of capital murder|work=Birmingham Post-Herald|date=June 6, 1996|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> On June 5, 1996, Frazier was found guilty of one count of capital murder under the circumstances of robbery and one lesser charge of murder in the course of rape. Before the jury's verdict was delivered, Frazier reportedly lashed out at the jury, a majority of which consisted of White jurors, for being allegedly racist towards him and even threw a pen at them.<ref>{{cite news|title=Unruly defendant put in glass room|work=The Tuscaloosa News|date=June 6, 1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-demetrius-frazier/162548267/|title=Jury finds Frazier guilty of capital murder|work=Birmingham Post-Herald|date=June 6, 1996|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


Two days later, during a sentencing hearing on June 7, 1996, the jury recommended the death penalty by a vote of 10–2 for the charge of capital murder.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-demetrius-frazier/162548276/ |title=Jury asks death for Detroit's Frazier in murder of Fountain Heights woman|work=Birmingham Post-Herald|date=June 8, 1996|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Two days later, during a sentencing hearing on June 7, 1996, the jury recommended the death penalty by a vote of 10–2 for the charge of capital murder. Brown's brother, Curtis Starks, stated that the family were relieved to see Frazier convicted of his sister's murder, and said that Frazier deserved the death penalty for being a serial rapist who killed people that made him mad and he did not deserve to be free.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/birmingham-post-herald-demetrius-frazier/162548276/ |title=Jury asks death for Detroit's Frazier in murder of Fountain Heights woman|work=Birmingham Post-Herald|date=June 8, 1996|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


On August 8, 1996, for the offence of capital murder, Frazier was sentenced to death by Circuit Court Judge Hon. Mike McCormick during a formal court hearing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/picture-gallery/news/crime/2021/02/10/alabama-death-row-photos-prisoners-awaiting-execution/4449121001/|title=Alabama inmates on death row|work=Montgomery Advertiser|date=February 10, 2021}}</ref> Frazier was also sentenced to life imprisonment for the lesser offence of murder in the course of rape.<ref name="Frazier v. State (1999)"/> On August 8, 1996, for the offence of capital murder, Frazier was sentenced to death by Circuit Court Judge Hon. Mike McCormick during a formal court hearing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/picture-gallery/news/crime/2021/02/10/alabama-death-row-photos-prisoners-awaiting-execution/4449121001/|title=Alabama inmates on death row|work=Montgomery Advertiser|date=February 10, 2021}}</ref> Frazier was also sentenced to life imprisonment for the lesser offence of murder in the course of rape.<ref name="Frazier v. State (1999)"/>
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In September 2014, the Alabama attorney general's office filed a motion with the Alabama Supreme Court to schedule the execution dates of nine death row inmates in Alabama, including Frazier, after they managed to amend the laws to approve a new lethal injection protocol.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/2014/09/alabama_changes_execution_drug.html|title=Alabama changes execution drug combination, seeks to set execution dates for 9 death row inmates|work=Alabama Local News|date=September 12, 2014}}</ref> In September 2014, the Alabama attorney general's office filed a motion with the Alabama Supreme Court to schedule the execution dates of nine death row inmates in Alabama, including Frazier, after they managed to amend the laws to approve a new lethal injection protocol.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/2014/09/alabama_changes_execution_drug.html|title=Alabama changes execution drug combination, seeks to set execution dates for 9 death row inmates|work=Alabama Local News|date=September 12, 2014}}</ref>


Frazier was one of the several death row prisoners from Alabama who launched a lawsuit against the state's execution protocols and the use of lethal injection, which was Alabama's primary method of execution.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2015/06/alabama_executions_whos_next_a.html|title=Alabama executions: Who's next and when?|work=Alabama Local News|date=June 30, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/politics/southunionstreet/2015/06/29/alabama-death-penalty-litigation-continue/29485043/|title=Alabama death penalty litigation could continue|work=Montgomery Advertiser|date=June 29, 2015}}</ref> The federal lawsuit was heard in 2015 and 2016 respectively.<ref>''Grayson v. Dunn'' , ] (United States).</ref><ref>''Grayson v. Dunn'' , ] (United States).</ref> Frazier and another convicted killer, Tommy Arthur, suggested that their executions should be carried out by either hanging or firing squad, which were not accepted by a federal judge. Arthur himself was eventually executed in 2017 for a 1982 contract killing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2015/10/hanging_and_firing_squads_not.html|title=Hanging and firing squads not an option in Alabama, judge tells 2 inmates|work=Alabama Local News|date=October 8, 2015}}</ref> Frazier and another four of the plaintiffs also suggested administering a single large dose of midazolam in replacement of the triple drug combination used to conduct lethal injection executions in Alabama, but this suggestion was also rejected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2015/10/09/judge-denies-offer-use-sedative-means-execution/73681650/|title=Judge denies offer to use sedative as means of execution|work=Montgomery Advertiser|date=October 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2015/10/judge_wont_let_alabama_execute.html|title=Judge won't let Alabama execute 5 inmates with large doses of midazolam|work=Alabama Local News|date=October 9, 2015}}</ref> Frazier was one of the several death row prisoners from Alabama who launched a lawsuit against the state's execution protocols and the use of lethal injection, which was Alabama's primary method of execution.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2015/06/alabama_executions_whos_next_a.html|title=Alabama executions: Who's next and when?|work=Alabama Local News|date=June 30, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/politics/southunionstreet/2015/06/29/alabama-death-penalty-litigation-continue/29485043/|title=Alabama death penalty litigation could continue|work=Montgomery Advertiser|date=June 29, 2015}}</ref> The federal lawsuit was heard in 2015 and 2016 respectively.<ref>''Grayson v. Dunn'' , ] (United States).</ref><ref>''Grayson v. Dunn'' , ] (United States).</ref> Frazier and another convicted killer, ], suggested that their executions should be carried out by either hanging or firing squad, which were not accepted by a federal judge. Arthur himself was eventually executed in 2017 for the 1982 contract killing of Troy Wicker.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2015/10/hanging_and_firing_squads_not.html|title=Hanging and firing squads not an option in Alabama, judge tells 2 inmates|work=Alabama Local News|date=October 8, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alabama-inmate-tommy-arthur-faces-eighth-execution-date-n764621|title=Tommy Arthur, Inmate Who Escaped Death 7 Times, Is Executed|work=NBC News|date=May 26, 2017}}</ref> In 2015, Frazier was one of five death row prisoners who filed a lawsuit opposing the state authorities' bid to administer large doses of ] in lethal injection executions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2015/10/09/judge-denies-offer-use-sedative-means-execution/73681650/|title=Judge denies offer to use sedative as means of execution|work=Montgomery Advertiser|date=October 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2015/10/judge_wont_let_alabama_execute.html|title=Judge won't let Alabama execute 5 inmates with large doses of midazolam|work=Alabama Local News|date=October 9, 2015}}</ref>


Subsequently, by 2018, the lawmakers of Alabama managed to legalize executions by ] as an alternative method of execution in the state.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/general-news-840781379a814afea3d5de605f1074e8|title=Lethal injection or gas? Alabama’s death row gets to choose|work=Associated Press|date=August 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2018/08/26/lethal-injection-or-gas-alabamas-death-row-gets-to-choose/|title=Lethal injection or gas? Alabama’s death row gets to choose|work=New York Daily News|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> Frazier was one of the condemned inmates who chose to be executed by nitrogen gas inhalation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2018/08/walker_county_man_on_death_row.html|title=Walker County man on death row has sentence affirmed by higher court|work=Alabama Local News|date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> Subsequently, by 2018, the lawmakers of Alabama managed to legalize executions by ] as an alternative method of execution in the state.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/general-news-840781379a814afea3d5de605f1074e8|title=Lethal injection or gas? Alabama's death row gets to choose|work=Associated Press|date=August 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2018/08/26/lethal-injection-or-gas-alabamas-death-row-gets-to-choose/|title=Lethal injection or gas? Alabama's death row gets to choose|work=New York Daily News|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> Frazier was one of the condemned inmates who chose to be executed by nitrogen gas inhalation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2018/08/walker_county_man_on_death_row.html|title=Walker County man on death row has sentence affirmed by higher court|work=Alabama Local News|date=August 7, 2018}}</ref>


On October 9, 2019, the ] again dismissed Frazier's appeal against his death sentence. Frazier was one of the six condemned inmates from Alabama who had lost their last appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2019/10/us-supreme-court-will-not-review-6-alabama-death-penalty-cases.html|title=U.S. Supreme Court will not review 6 Alabama death penalty cases|work=Alabama Local News|date=October 9, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/news/state/2019/10/09/us-supreme-court-wont-hear-appeals-in-6-alabama-capital-cases/2570555007/|title=U.S. Supreme Court won't hear appeals in 6 Alabama capital cases|work=Gadsden Times|date=October 9, 2019}}</ref> On October 9, 2019, the ] again dismissed Frazier's appeal against his death sentence. Frazier was one of the six condemned inmates from Alabama who had lost their last appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court on that same date.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2019/10/us-supreme-court-will-not-review-6-alabama-death-penalty-cases.html|title=U.S. Supreme Court will not review 6 Alabama death penalty cases|work=Alabama Local News|date=October 9, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/news/state/2019/10/09/us-supreme-court-wont-hear-appeals-in-6-alabama-capital-cases/2570555007/|title=U.S. Supreme Court won't hear appeals in 6 Alabama capital cases|work=Gadsden Times|date=October 9, 2019}}</ref>


==Scheduled execution== ==Scheduled execution==
On January 7, 2025, Alabama Governor ] scheduled Demetrius Frazier's execution date as February 6, 2025, following an order from the ] authorizing the Governor to set the date. Frazier was set to be the fourth person on Alabama's death row to be executed by nitrogen gas inhalation, after Alabama conducted its first three nitrogen gas executions in 2024: ] in January, ] in September and ] in November.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://alabamareflector.com/briefs/alabama-schedules-first-execution-for-2025-after-deadly-2024/|title=Alabama schedules first execution for 2025 after deadly 2024|work=Alabama Reflector|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/2025/01/alabama-set-to-execute-demetrius-frazier-by-nitrogen-gas-in-february.html|title=Alabama sets first execution of 2025; Demetrius Frazier to die by nitrogen gas|work=Alabama Local News|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> A 30-hour window frame for the execution to be carried out was set from 12am on February 6 to 6am on February 7, 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/crime/2025/01/07/alabama-to-execute-demetrius-frazier-by-nitrogen-hypoxia/77520989007/|title=Alabama to execute Demetrius Frazier by nitrogen hypoxia|work=Montgomery Advertiser|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> In late 2024, a request for Frazier's death warrant to be issued was made, and on January 7, 2025, Alabama Governor ] scheduled Demetrius Frazier's execution date as February 6, 2025, following an order from the ] authorizing the Governor to set the date.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/execution-nitrogen-gas-alabama-120321f85502703625b56bf9a2b66fa8|title=Alabama schedules fourth nitrogen gas execution amid debate over method|work=Associated Press|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> Frazier was set to be the fourth person on Alabama's death row to be executed by nitrogen gas inhalation, after Alabama conducted its first three nitrogen gas executions in 2024: ] in January, ] in September and ] in November.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://alabamareflector.com/briefs/alabama-schedules-first-execution-for-2025-after-deadly-2024/|title=Alabama schedules first execution for 2025 after deadly 2024|work=Alabama Reflector|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/2025/01/alabama-set-to-execute-demetrius-frazier-by-nitrogen-gas-in-february.html|title=Alabama sets first execution of 2025; Demetrius Frazier to die by nitrogen gas|work=Alabama Local News|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> A 30-hour window frame for the execution to be carried out was set from 12am on February 6 to 6am on February 7, 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/crime/2025/01/07/alabama-to-execute-demetrius-frazier-by-nitrogen-hypoxia/77520989007/|title=Alabama to execute Demetrius Frazier by nitrogen hypoxia|work=Montgomery Advertiser|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref>


While awaiting his execution in February 2025, Frazier filed a federal appeal to bar the state from carrying out his execution by nitrogen hypoxia until the state agreed to his request to amend certain parts of the protocol to facilitate his nitrogen gas execution. Frazier's lawyers argued that the prior three executions showed that the nitrogen gas executions did not guarantee an immediate loss of consciousness before death and a painless death, given that there were witness accounts of the three offenders having experienced conscious suffocation and sudden involuntary movements on the gurney. However, the state officials refuted Frazier's claims and stated that the nitrogen gas executions did not have any major problems per Frazier's arguments.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/execution-nitrogen-gas-alabama-120321f85502703625b56bf9a2b66fa8|title=Alabama schedules fourth nitrogen gas execution amid debate over method|work=Associated Press|date=January 7, 2025}}</ref> While awaiting his execution in February 2025, Frazier filed a federal appeal to bar the state from carrying out his execution by nitrogen hypoxia until the state agreed to his request to amend certain parts of the protocol to facilitate his nitrogen gas execution. Frazier's lawyers argued that the prior three executions showed that the nitrogen gas executions did not guarantee an immediate loss of consciousness before death and a painless death, given that there were witness accounts of the three offenders having experienced conscious suffocation, convulsions and sudden involuntary movements on the gurney. However, the state officials refuted Frazier's claims and stated that the nitrogen gas executions did not have any major problems per Frazier's arguments.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/15/alabama-prisoner-nitrogen-gas-execution|title=Alabama prisoner asks federal judge to block nitrogen gas execution|work=The Guardian |date=January 15, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/execution-death-penalty-alabama-nitrogen-gas-263310bbadaad4ac4f92a4ea3a79dc18|title=Alabama inmate asks court to block nitrogen gas execution|work=Associated Press|date=January 15, 2025}}</ref>

Apart from this, Frazier's lawyers also sought to argue in another appeal that Frazier should not be in the judicial custody of Alabama but of Michigan, since he was still listed as an inmate under the Michigan penitentiary system, and stated that the agreement between the governors of Michigan and Alabama to transfer Frazier from Michigan to Alabama to serve his death sentence was "unlawful and void". One of Frazier's lawyers also urged the incumbent Michigan governor ] to have Frazier sent back to Michigan, where ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.al.com/news/2025/01/alabama-death-row-inmate-set-for-execution-is-in-wrong-state-lawsuit-argues.html|title=Alabama Death Row inmate set for execution is in wrong state, lawsuit argues|work=Alabama Local News|date=January 17, 2025}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
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==References== ==References==
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Latest revision as of 11:41, 23 January 2025

American convicted murderer on death row in Alabama
Demetrius Terrence Frazier
ADOC mugshot of Demetrius Terrence Frazier
Born (1972-10-29) October 29, 1972 (age 52)
Michigan, U.S.
Criminal statusIncarcerated on death row in Alabama
Conviction(s)Alabama
Capital murder
Murder
Michigan
Felony murder
Armed robbery
Felony firearms possession
First-degree criminal sexual misconduct (×2)
Criminal penaltyAlabama
Death – capital murder
Life imprisonment – murder
Michigan
Life imprisonment (x4) plus 60 to 90 years' jail
Details
VictimsMurdered
Pauline Starks Brown, 40
Crystal Kendrick, 14
Alive
Eight other rape victims
Several robbery victims
Date1991 – 1992
Location(s)Alabama, Michigan
Imprisoned atAlger Maximum Correctional Facility (Michigan; 1993–2011)
Holman Correctional Facility (Alabama; 2011–present)

Demetrius Terrence Frazier (born October 29, 1972) is an American convicted murderer and serial rapist who is currently on death row in Alabama for the 1991 rape and murder of 40-year-old Pauline Brown, after a robbery on November 27, 1991. Frazier confessed to Brown's murder after his arrest in Detroit, Michigan, for the 1992 murder of 14-year-old Crystal Kendrick in Michigan, whom he had shot to death while attempting to rape the girl. Besides his two murder convictions, Frazier was suspected of raping eight other women in Michigan; and was tried and found guilty of two of those rapes by a Wayne County jury.

For the murder of Brown, Frazier was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in Alabama in 1996. He was also given multiple life sentences in 1993 for the murder of Kendrick and other offences he committed in Michigan; he spent over 18 years at the Alger Maximum Correctional Facility in Michigan until 2011, when he was transferred to the Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama, home to the state's death row.

Frazier is currently awaiting his execution by nitrogen hypoxia on February 6, 2025.

Murders

Between 1991 and 1992, Demetrius Terrence Frazier, then 19 years old, had committed two murders in Michigan and Alabama respectively.

Pauline Brown

On November 27, 1991, in Birmingham, Alabama, Frazier passed by one of the ground floor apartments in the area when he noticed that the apartment itself had a light on, and therefore formulated an intention to commit robbery. Frazier removed the screen from the window and entered through the window. Frazier searched around the apartment and found some money, amounting to $10 in cash. He then went to another room, where he found 40-year-old Pauline Starks Brown asleep.

After waking her up, Frazier demanded more money, and she gave him $80. Frazier then threatened her with a gun, and during the encounter, Brown begged for her life and was additionally raped by Frazier on gunpoint. Frazier fired a shot and left the apartment briefly to check if anyone had heard it. When Frazier returned, he found that Brown had died. Frazier searched the apartment for more money, ate some food, and left the apartment, and he also disposed of the gun.

The body of Brown was eventually found by Tyrone Mitchell, who was a co-worker and friend of Brown. Mitchell arrived at the home of Brown after the latter, who was supposed to give him a ride to their workplace to attend their work shift, did not show up for work and he showed concern over her absence. Mitchell and two maintenance men managed to open the window into Brown's apartment and it led to the discovery of Brown's body, which laid face down inside the bedroom. At the time of her death, Brown was survived by her two daughters and one grandchild (who was born a few weeks prior to Brown's death).

Crystal Kendrick

On March 8, 1992, in Detroit, Michigan, Frazier murdered a young girl in midst of a rape attempt.

On that date itself, Frazier confined a 14-year-old runaway girl, Crystal Kendrick, inside an abandoned house, and during the attempt to rape Kendrick, Frazier shot Kendrick to death while she tried to flee from the house. Kendrick's body was found with a bullet wound in her head, and according to her friends and guardian, Kendrick was originally a well-behaved girl before her mother abandoned her, in combination with her mother's drug addiction and Kendrick also gradually went astray without the supervision of her mother and relatives. Kendrick's guardians reportedly expressed guilt and sadness for not able to take better care of Kendrick.

Frazier was subsequently named a suspect behind Kendrick's murder, and he was therefore listed on the wanted list for the offence. Frazier remained on the run for murdering the girl before his arrest during the same month he killed his second victim. Upon his arrest, Frazier confessed to killing Brown while in police custody in Michigan.

Murder trials in Alabama and Michigan

Between 1993 and 1996, Demetrius Frazier was tried in both Michigan and Alabama for the murders he committed there.

Michigan

On July 9, 1992, Frazier was charged with first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Crystal Kendrick. He was also charged with raping eight other women.

Prior to his trial for murdering Kendrick, Frazier and his lawyers attempted to have his confession to Kendrick's killing ruled inadmissible. Frazier submitted that he fell in love with Detroit homicide detective Monica Childs, who was in charge of the case, and he was thus tricked into confessing to both the murders of Kendrick and Pauline Brown. According to Frazier's counsel, Childs allegedly offered Frazier a promise that he would not be sent back to Alabama to stand trial for Brown's murder, given that Michigan did not have the death penalty while Alabama still allowed the death penalty for murder offences. However, the confession was ultimately ruled admissible in court after the courts rejected Frazier's allegations. Frazier also reportedly punched a prosecutor in court during his pre-trial hearing.

On April 8, 1993, a Michigan trial court found Frazier guilty of felony murder and felony firearms possession in the case of Crystal Kendrick's death. Frazier was sentenced to double terms of life imprisonment for both counts.

In addition to the charges he faced for Kendrick's death, Frazier was also tried in Michigan for other rape and robbery cases he committed prior to the murder of Kendrick, mainly one case of armed robbery and two cases of rape committed on September 1, 1991. Frazier was handed another two life sentences, plus 60 to 90 years' jail for these cases on October 20, 1993.

Alabama

In Alabama, Frazier was indicted by a Jefferson County jury in November 1993 on charges of capital murder for the death of Brown. Unlike Michigan, which was a non-death penalty state, the death penalty was legalized in Alabama as a potential punishment for capital murder.

On June 5, 1996, Frazier was found guilty of one count of capital murder under the circumstances of robbery and one lesser charge of murder in the course of rape. Before the jury's verdict was delivered, Frazier reportedly lashed out at the jury, a majority of which consisted of White jurors, for being allegedly racist towards him and even threw a pen at them.

Two days later, during a sentencing hearing on June 7, 1996, the jury recommended the death penalty by a vote of 10–2 for the charge of capital murder. Brown's brother, Curtis Starks, stated that the family were relieved to see Frazier convicted of his sister's murder, and said that Frazier deserved the death penalty for being a serial rapist who killed people that made him mad and he did not deserve to be free.

On August 8, 1996, for the offence of capital murder, Frazier was sentenced to death by Circuit Court Judge Hon. Mike McCormick during a formal court hearing. Frazier was also sentenced to life imprisonment for the lesser offence of murder in the course of rape.

Appeals and incarceration

From 1993 to 2011, Demetrius Frazier served his life sentence at the Alger Maximum Correctional Facility under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections. He was eventually transferred to the Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama, where he was held on death row since 2011.

During the time of his imprisonment in both Michigan and Alabama, Frazier appealed against his death sentence for the murder of Pauline Brown in Alabama. On January 10, 1999, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals dismissed Frazier's appeal against his death sentence.

On December 30, 1999, the Alabama Supreme Court confirmed the death penalty for Frazier and rejected his follow-up appeal against the judgement of the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.

On February 28, 2003, Frazier's second appeal to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals was dismissed.

On October 25, 2011, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals turned down Frazier's appeal.

On October 1, 2012, the United States Supreme Court denied Frazier relief; fully exhausting Frazier's regular appeals.

In September 2014, the Alabama attorney general's office filed a motion with the Alabama Supreme Court to schedule the execution dates of nine death row inmates in Alabama, including Frazier, after they managed to amend the laws to approve a new lethal injection protocol.

Frazier was one of the several death row prisoners from Alabama who launched a lawsuit against the state's execution protocols and the use of lethal injection, which was Alabama's primary method of execution. The federal lawsuit was heard in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Frazier and another convicted killer, Tommy Arthur, suggested that their executions should be carried out by either hanging or firing squad, which were not accepted by a federal judge. Arthur himself was eventually executed in 2017 for the 1982 contract killing of Troy Wicker. In 2015, Frazier was one of five death row prisoners who filed a lawsuit opposing the state authorities' bid to administer large doses of midazolam in lethal injection executions.

Subsequently, by 2018, the lawmakers of Alabama managed to legalize executions by nitrogen hypoxia as an alternative method of execution in the state. Frazier was one of the condemned inmates who chose to be executed by nitrogen gas inhalation.

On October 9, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court again dismissed Frazier's appeal against his death sentence. Frazier was one of the six condemned inmates from Alabama who had lost their last appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court on that same date.

Scheduled execution

In late 2024, a request for Frazier's death warrant to be issued was made, and on January 7, 2025, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey scheduled Demetrius Frazier's execution date as February 6, 2025, following an order from the Alabama Supreme Court authorizing the Governor to set the date. Frazier was set to be the fourth person on Alabama's death row to be executed by nitrogen gas inhalation, after Alabama conducted its first three nitrogen gas executions in 2024: Kenneth Eugene Smith in January, Alan Eugene Miller in September and Carey Dale Grayson in November. A 30-hour window frame for the execution to be carried out was set from 12am on February 6 to 6am on February 7, 2025.

While awaiting his execution in February 2025, Frazier filed a federal appeal to bar the state from carrying out his execution by nitrogen hypoxia until the state agreed to his request to amend certain parts of the protocol to facilitate his nitrogen gas execution. Frazier's lawyers argued that the prior three executions showed that the nitrogen gas executions did not guarantee an immediate loss of consciousness before death and a painless death, given that there were witness accounts of the three offenders having experienced conscious suffocation, convulsions and sudden involuntary movements on the gurney. However, the state officials refuted Frazier's claims and stated that the nitrogen gas executions did not have any major problems per Frazier's arguments.

Apart from this, Frazier's lawyers also sought to argue in another appeal that Frazier should not be in the judicial custody of Alabama but of Michigan, since he was still listed as an inmate under the Michigan penitentiary system, and stated that the agreement between the governors of Michigan and Alabama to transfer Frazier from Michigan to Alabama to serve his death sentence was "unlawful and void". One of Frazier's lawyers also urged the incumbent Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer to have Frazier sent back to Michigan, where capital punishment was abolished since 1846.

See also

References

  1. "Court". Gadsden Times. January 1, 2000.
  2. ^ "Man faces murder count in slaying of girl, 14". Detroit Free Press. July 9, 1992 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION / DEMETRIUS FRAZIER". Michigan Department of Corrections. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  4. ^ "Rape suspect socks prosecutor in court". Detroit Free Press. September 26, 1992 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Death row inmate returned to Alabama". WSFA. November 3, 2011.
  6. "Governor Ivey sets execution window for Alabama inmate Demetrius Frazier". NBC 15. January 7, 2025.
  7. ^ Frazier v. State , Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals (United States).
  8. "Alabama to execute Demetrius Frazier by nitrogen hypoxia". The Tuscaloosa News. January 7, 2025.
  9. ^ "Who is Demetrius Frazier? Behind Alabama's first inmate set to be executed in 2025". WVTM. January 7, 2025.
  10. "CRYSTAL KENDRICK". Detroit Free Press. May 17, 1992 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. "Girl's family and friends share painful hindsight". Detroit Free Press. July 1, 1992 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. "HOW CRYSTAL LEFT THEM". Detroit Free Press. July 1, 1992 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. "Lovelorn suspect's confession admissible in murder trial". Detroit Free Press. November 14, 1992 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. "Death row inmate returns to Alabama". ABC 3340. November 3, 2011.
  15. "Unruly defendant put in glass room". The Tuscaloosa News. June 6, 1996.
  16. "Jury finds Frazier guilty of capital murder". Birmingham Post-Herald. June 6, 1996 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. "Jury asks death for Detroit's Frazier in murder of Fountain Heights woman". Birmingham Post-Herald. June 8, 1996 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. "Alabama inmates on death row". Montgomery Advertiser. February 10, 2021.
  19. "Death row inmate returns to Alabama". WBRC. November 3, 2011.
  20. Re Demetrius Terrence Frazier v. State , Alabama Supreme Court (United States).
  21. "Court upholds death penalty". Times Daily. January 1, 2000.
  22. "Court upholds man's death penalty". Gadsden Times. January 1, 2000.
  23. Frazier v. State , Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals (United States).
  24. Frazier v. Bouchard , 11th Circuit Court of Appeals (United States).
  25. "Search - Supreme Court of the United States".
  26. "Alabama changes execution drug combination, seeks to set execution dates for 9 death row inmates". Alabama Local News. September 12, 2014.
  27. "Alabama executions: Who's next and when?". Alabama Local News. June 30, 2015.
  28. "Alabama death penalty litigation could continue". Montgomery Advertiser. June 29, 2015.
  29. Grayson v. Dunn , United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama (United States).
  30. Grayson v. Dunn , United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama (United States).
  31. "Hanging and firing squads not an option in Alabama, judge tells 2 inmates". Alabama Local News. October 8, 2015.
  32. "Tommy Arthur, Inmate Who Escaped Death 7 Times, Is Executed". NBC News. May 26, 2017.
  33. "Judge denies offer to use sedative as means of execution". Montgomery Advertiser. October 9, 2015.
  34. "Judge won't let Alabama execute 5 inmates with large doses of midazolam". Alabama Local News. October 9, 2015.
  35. "Lethal injection or gas? Alabama's death row gets to choose". Associated Press. August 26, 2018.
  36. "Lethal injection or gas? Alabama's death row gets to choose". New York Daily News. January 7, 2025.
  37. "Walker County man on death row has sentence affirmed by higher court". Alabama Local News. August 7, 2018.
  38. "U.S. Supreme Court will not review 6 Alabama death penalty cases". Alabama Local News. October 9, 2019.
  39. "U.S. Supreme Court won't hear appeals in 6 Alabama capital cases". Gadsden Times. October 9, 2019.
  40. "Alabama schedules fourth nitrogen gas execution amid debate over method". Associated Press. January 7, 2025.
  41. "Alabama schedules first execution for 2025 after deadly 2024". Alabama Reflector. January 7, 2025.
  42. "Alabama sets first execution of 2025; Demetrius Frazier to die by nitrogen gas". Alabama Local News. January 7, 2025.
  43. "Alabama to execute Demetrius Frazier by nitrogen hypoxia". Montgomery Advertiser. January 7, 2025.
  44. "Alabama prisoner asks federal judge to block nitrogen gas execution". The Guardian. January 15, 2025.
  45. "Alabama inmate asks court to block nitrogen gas execution". Associated Press. January 15, 2025.
  46. "Alabama Death Row inmate set for execution is in wrong state, lawsuit argues". Alabama Local News. January 17, 2025.
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