Rendell signs execution warrant in Philly murder

The Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Gov. Rendell has signed an execution warrant for a 27-year-old North Philadelphia man convicted of killing a drug store manager during a 2003 robbery.

Christopher Kennedy was convicted of first-degree murder and robbery and sentenced to death in August 2004.

Authorities said he and several accomplices held up a Rite Aid store on Jan. 19, 2003. Prosecutors said Kennedy shot 35-year-old Michael Richardson in the leg and dragged him into an office where safes were located, and later killed him as the father of four prayed and begged for his life. Three accomplices were sentenced to life in prison.

Rendell has signed 97 death warrants, but no executions have been carried out during his administration. Three people have been executed since the state reinstated the death penalty nearly 30 years ago. All had voluntarily ended their appeals.

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Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.philly.com