Widower sobs as he hears the murderer of his wife say one word before being executed

The widower of a woman kidnapped and murdered 43 years ago was overwhelmed with emotion as he witnessed the killer's execution on death row last night.

Randy White said he has received "an outpouring of love and support" in the four decades since wicked Kayle Bates snatched Janet White from her workplace, and murdered the woman.

Bates, 67, was finally last night administered a lethal injection on death row, where he had remained since the crimes in 1982. This lengthy incarceration before execution comes after a death row inmate was executed after 48 years.

When asked if he wished to make a final statement, Bates replied "no" and swiftly became Florida's record 10th execution this year, reports the Mirror.

Speaking at a briefing after the execution, Mr White said: "I am truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support from so many who didn't know either one of us. I thank you from my heart. It means more than you will ever know."

Bates was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted sexual battery in the June 14, 1982, killing of Mrs White in Bay County in the Florida Panhandle.

According to court documents, Bates abducted Mrs White from the insurance office where she worked, took her into some woods behind the building, attempted to rape her, fatally stabbed her and tore a diamond ring from one of her fingers. Law enforcement and prosecutors swiftly arrested Bates, but it took over 40 years for his execution to take place.

Witnesses at Florida State Prison yesterday saw the brute strapped to a gurney, his left arm extended with the IV line for the lethal drugs already in place.

Bates' breathing became more rapid about a minute after the drugs started flowing, then ceased after another minute. At 6.05pm, the warden touched Bates' face, shook his shoulders and shouted his name, receiving no response.

He was declared dead several minutes later.

Since the US Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, the highest annual total of executions in Florida was eight in 2014. However, this year Florida has executed 10 people - more than any other state, with Texas and South Carolina tied for second place with four each.

Curtis Windom, 59, is set to become the 11th person executed in Florida on Thursday, 28 August. He was found guilty of murdering three people in the Orlando area in 1992.

Including Bates, a total of 29 men have been executed by court order so far this year in the US.