News
News

Execution date set for Columbus strangler

By Bill Rankin
Feb 24, 2018

The state of Georgia has set a Dec. 16 execution date for Carlton Gary, the so-called "Columbus stocking strangler" who was convicted of raping and killing three women.

Gary, 59, is to die by lethal injection. He was sentenced to death by a Muscogee County jury in August 1986. The three victims, who were between the ages of 59 and 89, were sexually assaulted and then strangled with their stockings.

The state Board of Pardons and Paroles has set Gary's clemency hearing for Dec. 14. Gary, who has maintained his innocence, was also implicated, but not charged, with the deaths of four other women. The crimes occurred over an eight-month period in the late 1970s.

About the Author

Bill Rankin has been an AJC reporter for more than 30 years. His father, Jim Rankin, worked as an editor for the newspaper for 26 years, retiring in 1986. Bill has primarily covered the state’s court system, doing all he can do to keep the scales of justice on an even keel. Since 2015, he has been the host of the newspaper’s Breakdown podcast.

Follow Bill Rankin on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Darius Robinson was relieved of coaching duties after his arrest, the Greene County School District said. (Courtesy of Greene County Schools)

Credit: Greene County schools

Georgia high school coach choked player, put another in headlock, warrants say

The Greene County High coach was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of simple battery, according to investigators.

Georgia Power, PSC staff strike deal for $16B expansion to power data centers

Georgia Power and the Public Service Commission’s staff unveiled a deal that would allow the utility to build huge amounts of new power plants, mostly to serve data centers.

Warnock renews push for enhanced job training with bipartisan bill

Employers that come to Georgia “are having a hard time finding workers with the education they need,” U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock said in a written statement.

The Latest

Darius Robinson was relieved of coaching duties after his arrest, the Greene County School District said. (Courtesy of Greene County Schools)

Credit: Greene County schools

Georgia high school coach choked player, put another in headlock, warrants say

Sweet Tea: Use your time wisely

A.M. ATL: It’s actually happening

Featured

Waymo autonomous vehicles operate across 65 square miles inside I-285 and have been involved in six incidents with Atlanta Public School buses since May. Waymo issued a recall because of their cars briefly stopping or slowing down before continuing forward while a bus was stopped and flashing its lights. (Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools)

Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools

Waymo cars ignored stopped school buses in Atlanta. What happens now?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation. The autonomous vehicle company has issued a software recall.

Search for new MARTA chief hits snag

The search for a new leader for the regional transit authority is widely seen as one of the most important duties facing the Marta Board

Georgia high school coach choked player, put another in headlock, warrants say

The Greene County High coach was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of simple battery, according to investigators.