This paper focused on the September 2, 1994 execution of Harold Lamont "Walkin' Willie" Otey. Coverage of the execution by the four Omaha, Nebraska television stations was examined. The Otey execution is seen from a social construction of reality perspective. The television portrayal of a confrontation on the night of the execution between supporters and Opponents of capital punishment is seen as a mediated view of what happened that night. The public image of the death penalty as appropriate justice is seen as influenced by media coverage.