James B. Clarke, Jr.

James B. Clark Jr. (February 8, 1957 – April 19, 1996) was an inmate executed in the State of Delaware for the murder of his adoptive parents. Clark confessed to the crime. He was motivated by a desire for the couple's life insurance. The murders took place on May 22, 1994, one month after he had been released on parole for an earlier conviction. Clark had served 21 years of a 30-year sentence for his attempted slaying of a 3-year-old girl in 1973, but in spite of his failure to participate in rehabilitation and repeated discipline by prison authorities for fighting, he was released for good behavior. His case inspired public outrage and proposed legislation to curtail unwarranted early release.

Execution On September 9, 1994, Clark pleaded guilty to two counts of first degree murder. He was sentenced to death. After waiving his appeals, Clark was executed by lethal injection on April 19, 1996.