Jessica Lunsford's killer, John Couey, dies of cancer

[Dakota Valkyrie]

John Couey, convicted of killing 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford, has died of cancer, according to Jessie's grandfather, Archie Lunsford.

"We got a call from the warden this morning," said Lunsford.

Jessie's grandmother, Ruthie Lunsford, said this "is the best news she has heard."

Couey, 51, had been in Florida State Prison near Jacksonville.

He died 11:15 a.m. today at a Jacksonville hospital, state Department of Corrections spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said.

"So far, no one has claimed his body," she said. "If no one claims it, he'll be buried in an inmate cemetery at Union Correctional Institution in Starke."
[...]

Ruthie Lunsford said she heard about Couey's death from the state attorney general's office.

"I am not crying," she said. "I had heard he had anal cancer."
[...]

Though the family knew Couey had cancer, they did not know he would die so soon, said Ruthie.

"We was looking for him to be injected and die," she said.

"This won't bring Jessie back, but Couey had to suffer. He suffered greatly. Anal cancer is very painful. I don't feel sorry for him. I am glad he had to suffer. He let my granddaughter suffer.''

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/sep...cancer-prison/

"I never dreamed it would happen like this," Jessica's father, Mark Lunsford, told CNN. He said he never thought he would live long enough to see Couey put to death because of the lengthy appeals process.

He said he was sad when he heard the news of Couey's death. "To me, death is sad," he said. "But her death, Jessie's death, has been redeemed ... I'm relieved. I'm glad it's over with."
[...]

Speaking after Couey's sentencing, Mark Lunsford referenced Couey's earlier comments in which he said that when he got to heaven, he would apologize to his victim.

"I have bad news," Mark Lunsford said. "I don't think you're going to make it there." He called on Couey to drop his appeals. "You want to do something for her, give your life for the one you took."

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/09/30/...ead/index.html

[Deja]

I hope it was excruciatingly painful.

[Shroomer]

This is fabulous news, no reason for us to pay for his lodging for the next 10 years while he is waiting for the needle.

[AngelFire]

Straight to hell where he belongs.

[cubby]

Hallelujah and Amen.

[groovy135]

When I first heard this, I thought he went out Jeffrey Dahmer style, but this is much better. Anal cancer, how appropriate for this Jack ASS,,,here ya go Jessie may you truly R.I.P. I am a supporter of Mark Lunsford, I hope he finds a little peace also now.

[The Diabolical Mr. Lieman]

Nothing as beautiful as reading an old lady say she hoped he suffered. Indeed, lady, indeed.

This is a great occasion. Should be celebrated by killing scores of pedophiles, but there are laws against those kinds of things, I guess....but yes. Him dying is a small precious gift in the day.

See you in Hell, old man. And when I do, I have forever to rip you into bits.

[Awhell]

Wonderful. Now I can have something to drink to at girls night this weekend.

[Nell]

[Ladyeridan]

all i could hope was that 'anal cancer' was really code for 'raped to death by Bertha Bubbaballs, from Cell Block C.

good riddance, i hope he finds a pauper's grave and is forgotten entirely.

[LissaLou]