Lackey had been told by Newman's grandson that there was a vault in the home containing gold bars and cash.
[4] Psychologist Frank Preston, who examined Lackey, testified that he was socially awkward and showed signs of autism, but overall did not appear to have any serious mental disorder.
The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) argued that Lackey, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome and was taking psychotropic medications, should have undergone a mental health examination.
EJI filed papers requesting that Lackey be examined for competency, but this was denied by the Court of Criminal Appeals and the execution was allowed to proceed.
[7] Lackey was executed by lethal injection at Holman Correctional Facility near Atmore, Alabama, on July 25, 2013.