Execution Date Set For Simpsonville Store Owner Killer

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The state Supreme Court has set a Dec. 2 execution date for a 34-year-old man who killed a Simpsonville convenience store owner 11 years ago.

Prosecutors said Shawn Humphries and a friend decided to rob the store on New Year's Day 1994 after drinking beer all day.

Surveillance tape at his trial showed Humphries going into the store and flashing a gun at Mendal Alton "Dickie" Smith. When Smith reached under the counter, Humphries fired a shot and ran. Smith was hit in the head and died.

Under state law, Humphries can choose to die by lethal injection or electrocution. If he makes no decision by Nov. 18, he will die in the electric chair.

Smith's family has seen even more tragedy since his death. In May 2000, his brother, Jerry Smith, was murdered at the Spartanburg convenience store he owned.