Geoffrey Todd West Executed for 1997 Etowah County Murder
ATMORE, Ala. – Alabama executed Geoffrey Todd West Thursday evening for the 1997 killing of an Etowah County gas station clerk during a robbery that netted about $250.
West, 53, was put to death at William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore by nitrogen hypoxia, a method first used in Alabama last year and now employed for the sixth time. His time of death was 6:22 p.m.
West was convicted in 1999 of capital murder for the shooting death of 38-year-old Margaret Parrish Berry at Harold’s Chevron in Attalla, where she worked as a clerk. Prosecutors said West, who once worked at the station, had told his girlfriend that he intended to rob the store and “leave no witnesses.”
According to court records, Berry was forced to lie face down on the floor before West shot her in the back of the head with a .45 caliber handgun. A jury recommended the death penalty by a 10-2 vote, and the court imposed the sentence.
Execution at a Glance
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Inmate: Geoffrey Todd West, 53
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Victim: Margaret Parrish Berry, 38
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Crime Date: March 27, 1997
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Location: Harold’s Chevron, Attalla, Ala.
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Conviction: Capital murder, June 1, 1999
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Sentence: Death, recommended 10-2 by jury
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Execution Method: Nitrogen hypoxia
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Execution Location: William C. Holman Correctional Facility, Atmore
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Time of Death: 6:22 p.m., Sept. 25, 2025
Governor’s Statement
Prior to the execution, Governor Kay Ivey confirmed she would not exercise her clemency powers.
“Almost 30 years ago, Margaret Parrish Berry went to work at the convenience store, but she would never get to return home,” Ivey said. “Geoffrey West went in with the intent to rob and kill, and he cowardly shot Ms. Berry in the back of the head. Alabama law imposes death as punishment for the most egregious forms of murder, and there was no question of Mr. West’s guilt by the jury in this case or any court over the last three decades.”
“As I expressed in a letter to one of Ms. Berry’s sons, it is my solemn duty as governor to carry out these laws. Tonight, the lawfully imposed death sentence has been carried out, justice has been served, and I pray for healing for all.”
Attorney General’s Statement
Attorney General Steve Marshall also issued a statement following the execution.
“While working an honest job at a convenience store, Margaret Berry was executed in cold blood for $250,” Marshall said. “There is no doubt or dispute over the facts of this case, but thanks to legal gamesmanship, justice has been delayed for 26 years.
“Margaret did not have to senselessly die. As a country, we must stand firmly in our beliefs between right and wrong, justice and forgiveness. Alabama is steadfast in our commitment to holding the guilty accountable because that is what honors the dignity of every victim. Justice is how we restore peace to the communities they leave behind.”
Marshall authorized the execution to begin at 5:56 p.m.
Final Moments
Witnesses described West strapped to the gurney in the execution chamber, covered with a white sheet from the chest down. At 5:53 p.m., Warden Terry Raybon read aloud Alabama’s authorization for the execution. West closed his eyes and gave a nod.
West declined to give final words in the chamber but offered a thumbs-up and a faint smile toward the viewing room where one of his attorneys sat. His spiritual advisor, Patrick Madden, prayed the rosary throughout the procedure.
Timeline of Execution
According to Yahoo News, the following approximate timeline was observed during West’s execution:
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5:52 p.m. – Drapes drawn back; West strapped to gurney, covered in a white sheet.
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5:53 p.m. – Death warrant read; West grimaced, then nodded.
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5:54 p.m. – Declined last words; gave thumbs up and grimaced toward witnesses.
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5:55 p.m. – Mask checked; West took deep breaths.
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5:56 p.m. – Spiritual advisor extended blessing; West gave another thumbs up.
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5:57 p.m. – Breathing grew heavy, then transitioned into gasps.
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5:58 p.m. – Hands slackened; body tensed and shook.
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5:59 p.m. – Salivated, foamed slightly at mouth; breathing slowed.
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6:00 p.m. – Breathing barely perceptible; skin turned bluish-gray.
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6:01 p.m. – Shuddering, choking breaths continued.
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6:02–6:03 p.m. – Gasping breaths became irregular, with long intervals.
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6:04 p.m. – Gasping more shallow and frequent, resembling coughs.
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6:05 p.m. – Minimal movement beyond shallow breaths.
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6:06 p.m. – Time between gasps lengthened, breaths weaker.
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6:07 p.m. – Final shallow, cough-like breath.
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6:08–6:12 p.m. – No apparent movement; eyes drooped slightly.
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6:13–6:16 p.m. – West remained still.
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6:17 p.m. – Curtains closed.
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6:22 p.m. – Death pronounced.
Written Statement
Though he did not speak in the chamber, West prepared a written statement that was released after the execution:
“I am sorry. I have apologized privately to the family of Margaret Parrish Berry, and am humbled by the forgiveness her son, Will, has extended. I was baptized into the Catholic Church earlier this year and confirmed yesterday. I am at peace because I know where I am going and look forward to seeing Mrs. Berry when I get there. I urge everyone, especially young people, to find God. Spend a few moments to consider the two possibilities: this was all a fluke or there is a Creator and a reason for everything. Your choice will determine where you spend eternity. God bless you all.”
