There have been 24 executions in Alabama since Bob Riley became governor in January 2003. Alabama Department of Corrections records show that as the most under the watch of any Alabama governor since wounded World War I veteran Frank Dixon was governor from 1939 to 1943.
There were 33 executions during Dixon's four years in office. The most during the administration of any Alabama governor since the state took over executions from the counties in the 1920s was 49 during the two terms of Gov. Bibb Graves in the 1920s and 1930s.
There are no more executions scheduled in Alabama before Riley leaves office Jan. 17.
Riley said the days and hours leading up to an execution are hard and that any governor takes the responsibility "very seriously."
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