Georgia has performed the first execution in the United States since a botched lethal injection of a prisoner in Oklahoma two months ago.

Marcus Wellons, 59, was executed by lethal injection Tuesday night just before midnight. He was convicted of rape and murder in the 1989 slaying of his 15-year-old neighbor, India Roberts.

Authorities say Tuesday night's execution went smoothly with no complications.

A small group of protestors gathered outside a Georgia state prison, saying that while Wellons committed the crime taking his life would not right that wrong.

"This is a sad day in Georgia. We are maintaining a barbaric practice. This is not about guilt. We know Mr. Wellons is guilty. This is about the dignity of human life," said Bishop Rob Wright.

An execution has not been performed on a person since April 29, when Clayton Lockett was put to death in Oklahoma.

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