ATMORE, ALA. ? A man convicted of killing a family of three and driving off in their vintage sports car was executed by injection Thursday.

John W. Peoples Jr., 48, died at 6:27 p.m. at Holman Prison near Atmore, prison officials said.

Peoples was convicted in 1983 in the killing of Pell City businessman Paul G. Franklin, his wife, Judy Choron Franklin, both 34, and their 10-year-old son, Paul.

Peoples did not look at or offer an apology to relatives of the Franklins, but thanked his own family for their support.

The Franklins’ relatives said they were relieved that Peoples was dead, but were surprised at his apparent lack of remorse.

“Seemed a lot easier on him the way he died versus the way they died,” said Bill Choron, the slain woman’s brother.

The execution was carried out after the Supreme Court denied Peoples’ request for a delay and Gov. Bob Riley turned down his bid for clemency.