MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – James Osgood, a 55-year-old man from Alabama, is scheduled for execution on Thursday at 6 p.m. CDT at the William Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore. Osgood has voluntarily dropped his appeals and expressed his guilt for raping and murdering 30-year-old Tracy Lynn Brown in 2010. He conveyed that he does not wish to “waste everybody's time and money” any longer.

Osgood was convicted of capital murder in Chilton County after a jury found him guilty of cutting Brown’s throat following a sexual assault. Reports indicate that he and his girlfriend, who is also Brown’s cousin, forced her to perform sexual acts after discussing their fantasies about kidnapping and torturing someone. Following the assault, Osgood inflicted fatal injuries on Brown, resulting in her death which was discovered on October 23, 2010. His girlfriend received a life sentence for her involvement in the crime.

In an interview, Osgood expressed remorse and a desire to apologize to Brown’s family, stating unequivocally, “I am guilty of murder.” He articulated his wish to seek closure, explaining that he felt exhausted and did not believe he was truly “even existing.” Osgood cited a belief in justice based on the principle of retribution, claiming, “I took a life so mine was forfeited,” and emphasized that he sees no point in prolonging the legal process.

During the sentencing hearing in 2014, the judge took into account the troubled childhood Osgood experienced, which included exposure to sexual abuse, abandonment, and a suicide attempt. However, the judge also underscored Osgood's heinous act of violence against Brown, particularly highlighting her pleas for mercy in her last moments.

Osgood acknowledged the profound suffering he has caused not only to Brown’s family but also to his own. He conveyed his regret for the “pain and suffering” experienced as a result of his actions and articulated his belief that while he does not expect forgiveness from the victim's family, he seeks forgiveness from God.

A significant aspect of Osgood's case is that his initial death sentence was overturned by an appeals court due to improper jury instructions. After being resentenced in 2018, Osgood again requested execution, indicating a desire to spare the families from experiencing further hearings and legal battles.

The Death Penalty Information Center has reported that since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1977, roughly 165 individuals have voluntarily opted for execution, which constitutes about one in ten people on death rows across the United States. Many of these individuals have history of mental health issues, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts.

The current landscape of Alabama's death penalty holds significance, given recent moves by Governor Kay Ivey, who in a rare instance granted clemency to another death row inmate, Robin “Rocky” Myers. The governor expressed doubts about Myers' guilt, leading to the commutation of his sentence to life in prison. This incident marked the first time since 1999 that an Alabama governor has commuted a death sentence.

As Osgood prepares for his execution, the gravity of his admission and the circumstances surrounding his conviction continue to evoke conversations about justice, accountability, and the impact of violence on families and communities.