Missouri executes convicted killer despite pleas for clemency

Pope Francis was among those speaking out on behalf of Ernest Johnson, who killed three in 1994

A man has been put to death in the US state of Missouri for killing three workers while robbing a convenience store nearly three decades ago, an execution performed over objections from racial justice activists, lawmakers and the pope.

Ernest Johnson died from an injection of pentobarbital at Bonne Terre state prison. In his written last statement, Johnson said he was sorry and have remorse for what I do". He said he loved his family and friends and thanked those who prayed for him.