Casanova killer executed nearly 30 years after murder

In Florida, Glen Rogers, also known as the 'Casanova Killer', was executed on Thursday by lethal injection. This execution came nearly three decades after he was sentenced to death for the murder of Tina Marie Cribbs in 1995. The case involved Rogers convincing Cribbs to drive him home from a bar in Tampa, after which she was reported missing and later found dead in a motel room rented by him. Her body displayed evidence of a violent struggle with defensive wounds indicating she had fought back against her attacker. Rogers was previously convicted of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and grand theft of a motor vehicle, receiving his death sentence in 1997. His criminal history includes another death sentence for the murder of Sandra Gallagher in California in 1999, highlighting his status as a serial killer with suspected ties to at least five murders across multiple states including Florida, California, Ohio, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Rogers’ claims of having killed 70 women were an alarming aspect of his pattern of manipulation and violence, although he later recanted. The political and social reactions surrounding his execution attracted attention, particularly due to Rogers' remarks about Donald Trump right before he was executed. These comments sparked commentary on the appropriateness of a serial killer referencing a public figure in his final moments. As a result, many observers suggested that Trump should distance himself from the legacy of Rogers, as the serial killer’s praise might invoke mixed perceptions in the public eye and political arena. Rogers' case emphasizes ongoing debates surrounding the death penalty in the U.S., the justice system's handling of serial killers, and the moral implications of capital punishment. The execution took place after a motion by the prosecution was filed, illustrating the lengthy legal processes often involved in death penalty cases. Moreover, discussions about mental health issues and the potential history of childhood abuse that Rogers experienced were raised during the legal proceedings, adding layers to the narrative of his life and crimes.