The research used official monthly data during 1984-97 to examine the general relationship between executions and felony murder rates. The number of executions was the independent variable. The dependent variables include rates of murder and rates of felony murder. The study excluded negligent manslaughters, accidental homicides, justifiable homicides committed by citizens and police officers, and executions performed by the State. Murders involving burglary, robbery, or sexual assault were coded as felony murders. Results revealed an initial bivariate relationship between executions and murder rates; however, this relationship proved to be spurious when appropriate control variables were included in regression models. Control variables that were positively related to murder rates included the percentage of the population in metropolitan areas, the percentage of the population ages 18-34, the murder conviction rate, and the high season. Findings confirmed the results of previous studies that failed to reveal any evidence of deterrence resulting from capital punishment. Tables, notes, and 35 references (Author abstract modified)