It was the only execution during his eight years as governor; he had previously granted executive clemency to one man on death row who had a history of brain damage.
For heinous crimes involving no deaths, a commensurate penalty may be meted out, and this could be permanent incarceration without the benefit of parole and executive clemency.
Executive clemency may take several forms, including pardon, conditional pardon, commutation of sentence, conditional commutation of sentence, remission of fine or restitution, respite, reprieve and amnesty.