Oregon Public Broadcasting

Anna King / Northwest News Network

Shar Lichty of Spokane, drove to Walla Walla to protest against the death penalty for Cal Coburn Brown at the Washington State Penitentiary. Protesters were herded into two fenced in areas, one with a sign saying "for" and another with a sign saying "against."

About 30 protesters held a vigil at the Washington State Penitentiary early Friday as the state held its first execution in nine years.

Cal Coburn Brown died shortly before 1 a.m.

Death penalty opponent Shar Lichty says she's been planning this trip to Walla Walla for weeks. She cradled dozens of bright white candles to her chest. Lichty says Brown's execution was not necessary.

Shar Lichty: "Life without parole would do just fine. I'm a little angry. Actually I'm quite angry at the state and the governor for killing in my name."

Lichty and other protesters were directed into a fenced area with a black and white sign announcing "against." A handful of people showed up to support the death penalty. Most of them were college students from Walla Walla.