FILE-This undated file photo released by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections shows Frederick Treesh. Ohio prepared Wednesday, March 6, 2013, to execute Treesh, the killer of an adult bookstore security guard in a slaying that capped a violent, multi-state crime rampage in which he stole cars, robbed banks and took part in another fatal shooting. Treesh, a cocaine addict at the time of the killing, has said almost from the day he was arrested that he regretted what he did but drugs made him do it. His attorneys made the same argument a month ago in an unsuccessful bid for clemency. (AP Photo/Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, File)
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LUCASVILLE, Ohio (AP) — Ohio on Wednesday executed a man who fatally shot an adult bookstore security guard at the end of a multistate crime spree nearly 20 years ago.
Frederick Treesh was pronounced dead after a single powerful dose of pentobarbital.
"This is where drugs lead you," Treesh, a former cocaine addict, said in a last statement.
Attorneys for the 48-year-old Treesh argued he accepted responsibility for the killing but it was an unintentional consequence of a struggle for a gun while he was high on cocaine.
Prosecutors contend Treesh intentionally murdered Henry Dupree in 1994 and tried to kill others, including police officers in pursuit.
Ohio is one of more than 30 U.S. states with the death penalty. Treesh was the 50th inmate put to death by the state since it resumed executions in 1999.
Treesh, in a last statement, apologized for the death of Dupree.
After a few more comments he said, "If you want me murdered, just say it."
Gov. John Kasich denied Treesh clemency last week, following the recommendation of the state parole board, which ruled unanimously last month that the evidence showed Dupree was seated when shot and hadn't shown any sign of being a threat to Treesh.
The board also said Treesh's decision to shoot a clerk in the face as he left the store suggests Treesh's "murderous intent" when coming to the store.
Prosecutors say Treesh and a co-defendant robbed banks and businesses, committed sexual assaults, stole cars, committed carjackings and shot someone to death in a Michigan robbery during a spree that also took them to Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Treesh's attorneys described him as deeply sorry for what happened.
His lawyers also alleged Treesh's rights were violated during a prolonged interrogation as he was coming down from a drug high, which contributed to his death sentence.
Treesh declined to be interviewed by the parole board. The board cited Treesh's refusal to be interviewed as evidence he has not grown or improved as a person in prison.
Treesh's prison behavior is indicative of "a self-indulgent, petulant and immature individual," the board said.
