Syvasky Poyner

Syvasky Lafayette Poyner (April 7, 1956 – March 18, 1993) was an American rapist and spree killer who killed four women and a teenage girl during a series of armed robberies in Hampton, Virginia in 1984. Convicted of multiple counts of capital murder and condemned to death, Poyner was executed in 1993.

Early life Poyner was born on April 7, 1956, in Newport News, Virginia, living on the East End with his mother, who died in 1980. Poyner's mother was a very religious woman who often kept her son inside their 19th Street apartment. According to her friends, she would often sit outside her apartment, reading the Bible and giving religious advice. Poyner would not meet his father, William E. Johnson, until he was called to testify at his murder trial. The following year, he was referred to a psychiatrist for "depression ... bizarre behavior ... suspiciousness and inability to function in the home environment."

Arrest, trial and execution Poyner was arrested on February 4, 1984. He was caught after trying to sell candy bars he had stolen from Hedrick to a local barber. The barber, who had heard that Hedrick was a candy bar saleswoman, called the police. After his appeals failed, he was executed in the electric chair at Greensville Correctional Center on March 18, 1993. His last meal consisted of fried chicken, rice and gravy, and green beans. A chaplain read a statement from Poyner: "Every hurt that has ever been done . . . heal that hurt. I choose to forgive, and I ask to be forgiven." In a statement released by his attorney, Poyner also said "I am sorry for all the hurt and pain and sorrows and suffering that I caused. Please forgive me. . . . I am going home to be with Jesus."