In a recent decision, the Supreme Court has refused to halt the execution of Brian Dorsey, a death row inmate in Missouri convicted of murdering his cousin and her husband almost two decades ago. Despite pleas for clemency and claims of rehabilitation, Dorsey is set to face lethal injection on Tuesday night.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson, a Republican, stood firm on Monday, confirming that the state would proceed with the death sentence and denying a separate request for clemency. Over 70 current and former corrections officers had urged Parson to commute Dorsey's sentence, asserting his rehabilitation. Dorsey's defense team also argued that their client was in a drug-induced psychosis during the time of the killings in 2006.

Dorsey, now 52 years old, is expected to be the first inmate in Missouri to be executed this year. His attorney, Kirk Henderson, criticized the state's decision, stating, "Executing Brian Dorsey is a pointless cruelty, an exercise of the state's power that serves no legitimate penological purpose. If anyone deserves mercy, surely it is Brian, who has been fully rehabilitated and whose death sentence was so flawed that five of his jurors believe he should not be executed."

The crime involved Dorsey shooting his cousin, Sarah Bonnie, and her husband, Ben Bonnie, at their home following a phone call asking for money. Prosecutors accused Dorsey of sexually assaulting his cousin after shooting the couple. Dorsey then allegedly stole various items from their home, including jewelry and their car, to repay his drug debt.

The bodies of Sarah and Ben Bonnie were discovered when Sarah's parents visited their home after the couple was missing from a family gathering on Christmas Eve. They found their 4-year-old granddaughter sitting on the couch, who informed them that her mother would not wake up. Dorsey turned himself into the police three days later, confessing to the murders.

After exhausting all appeals, Dorsey's execution warrant was issued by the Missouri Supreme Court in December. His lawyers further argued that his representation violated the Sixth Amendment, alleging a conflict of interest due to the flat fee of $12,000 paid to each lawyer appointed by the Missouri Public Defender Office. They also claimed that his lawyers provided "grossly deficient representation" and pressured Dorsey to plead guilty without securing an agreement to avoid the death penalty.

Furthermore, concerns were raised about Missouri's execution protocol, as it does not mention the use of any pain relief. Dorsey's attorneys highlighted his obesity, diabetes, and history of intravenous drug use, making it difficult to establish IV lines for the lethal injection process. A federal lawsuit filed on Dorsey's behalf alleged that the "cut downs" procedure, where large incisions are made to pull away from veins, is performed without anesthesia and prevents inmates from meeting their spiritual advisors.

However, a settlement was reached on Saturday, aiming to limit the risk of extreme pain for Dorsey during the execution process. The details of the settlement were not disclosed in the available information.

As the appointed execution time approaches, the fate of Brian Dorsey hangs in the balance, with supporters of clemency and concerns about the execution protocol still being debated intensively.