The U.S. Supreme Court declined two appeals on behalf of Missouri inmate Brian Dorsey, who was slated for execution Tuesday night for the 2006 murders of his cousin and her husband.

One appeal argued for clemency based on Dorsey’s good behavior in prison, while the other cited a conflict of interest with his trial lawyers.

Despite these appeals, Dorsey’s execution was scheduled to proceed. His attorneys emphasized his rehabilitation efforts over the past 18 years and criticized the execution as pointless cruelty.

Dorsey would be the first person executed in Missouri this year. His crime involved a violent attack on his relatives, followed by theft and an attempt to cover up the murders.

Dorsey surrendered to police days later, STL Today reported.

Despite claims of drug-induced psychosis at the time of the crime, Dorsey’s attorneys assert he has since rehabilitated.

Concerns were raised about Missouri’s execution protocol, particularly regarding Dorsey’s health conditions, which could complicate the administration of lethal drugs.

A federal lawsuit was settled to address these concerns, but specifics regarding changes to the protocol were not disclosed.

Written by B.C. Begley