Last words of death row inmates

Michael Lockhart

Executed in 1997 for the murder of police officer Paul Hulsey Jr., also implicated in the sexual assaults/murders of two teenage girls.

"A lot of people view what is happening here as evil, but I want you to know that I found love and compassion here. The people who work here, I thank them for the kindness they have shown me and I deeply appreciate all that has been done for me by the people who work here. That’s all, Warden, I’m ready."

Robert Coe

Executed in 2000 for the molestation/murder of 8-year-old Cary Medlin.

"God loves you, I'm gone."

Christina Riggs

Executed in 2000 for the murder of her two children, Justin and Shelby Alexis.

"There is no way no words can express how sorry I am for taking the lives of my babies. Now I can be with my babies, as I always intended. I love you, my babies."

Bobby Ramdass

Executed in 2000 for the robbery/murder of convenience store clerk Mohammad Kayani.

"Redskins are going to the Super Bowl."

Robert Charles Comer

Executed in 2007 for the murder of his campsite neighbor Larry Pritchard, in addition to other crimes on other visitors to the campground.

"Go Raiders!"

Vincent Gutierrez

Executed in 2007 for the murder of Air Force captain Jose Cobo during a car theft.

"I would like to tell everybody that I'm sorry about the situation that happened. My bad - everybody is here because of what happened. [...] I love ya'll. My brother... where's my stunt double when you need one? My Lord is my life and savior, nothing shall I fear."

Christopher Newton

Executed in 2007 for the murder of his cellmate Jason Brewer while he [Newton] was serving time for a robbery.

"I sure could use a beef stew and a chicken bone."

James Clark

Executed in 2007 for the rape/murder of 17-year-old Shari Catherine Crews and the murder of her friend Jesus Garza.

"Uh, I don't know, Um, I don't know what to say. I don't know. ... I didn't know anybody was there. Howdy."

Patrick Knight

Executed in 2007 for the abduction/murder of his neighbors Walter and Mary Ann Werner. They had previously complained about his loud music and loud cars.

"I said I was going to tell a joke. Death has set me free. That's the biggest joke, I deserve this. And the other joke is I am not Patrick Bryan Knight, and ya'll can't stop this execution now. Go ahead, I'm finished. Come on, tell me Lord. I love you Melyssa, take care of that little monster for me."

Michael Richard

Executed in 2007 for the sexual assault and murder of 53-year-old Marguerite Lucille Dixon. He also stole two TV sets from her home.

"I'd like my family to take care of each other. I love you, Angel. Let's ride. I guess this is it."

Monty Delk

Executed in 2002 for the murder of Gene Olan Allen II during a car theft. Delk refused to properly shower during his time in prison, claimed to be 129 years old and a submarine captain. Psychiatrists believed he was malingering to avoid the death penalty.

"I am the warden! Get your warden off this gurney and shut up! You are not in America. This is the island of Barbados. People will see you doing this."

Aileen Wuornos

Executed in 2002 for the murders of seven men who picked her up when she was hitchhiking and/or working as a prostitute.

"I'd just like to say I'm sailing with the rock, and I'll be back like Independence Day, with Jesus June 6. Like the movie, big mother ship and all, I'll be back."

James Collier

Executed in 2002 for the murder of 51-year-old Gwendolyn Joy Reed and her adult son, Timmy Reed while they were babysitting his [Collier's] 13-year-old daughter.

"The only thing I want to say is that I appreciate the hospitality you guys have shown me and the respect. And the last meal was really good. That is about it. Thank you guys for being there and giving me a little bit of spiritual guidance and support."

Lewis Williams Jr.

Executed in 2004 for the murder of 76-year old Leoma Chmielewski. His execution was particularly notable, as he screamed and struggled throughout the process.

"I'm not guilty. I'm not guilty. God, please help me. God, please hear my cry."

Douglas Roberts

Executed in 2005 for the robbery/abduction/murder of Jerry Velez.

"I've been hanging around this popsicle stand way too long. Before I leave, I want to tell you all. When I die, bury me deep, lay two speakers at my feet, put some headphones on my head and rock and roll me when I'm dead. I'll see you in Heaven someday. That's all Warden."

William Happ

Executed in 2013 for the rape/murder of 21-year-old Angela Crowley.

"For 27 years, the horrible murder of Angela Crowley has been clouded by circumstantial evidence and uncertainty. For the sake of her family, loved ones and all concerned, it is to my agonizing shame that I must confess to this terrible crime."

Edward Schad

Executed in 2013 for the 1978 murder of 71-year-old Lorimar Groves. Schad, 71, was 36 when he committed the crime.

"Well, after 34 years I’m free to fly away home. Thank you, Warden. Those are my last words."

Cameron Todd Willingham

Executed in 2004 for the arson deaths of his three children (2 years old and 1-year-old twins). However, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding his guilt.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/death-by-fire/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Todd_Willingham

"Yeah. The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man - convicted of a crime I did not commit. I have been persecuted for 12 years for something I did not do. From God's dust I came and to dust I will return - so the earth shall become my throne. I gotta go, road dog. I love you Gabby. I hope you rot in Hell, bitch."

(This last (repeated) sentence was directed at his ex-wife witnessing his execution. She had testified on his behalf in 1992 but later stated to the media that she believed he was guilty.)

Douglas Feldman

Executed in 2013 for the murder of two people, Robert Steven Everett and Nicolas Velasquez, as the result of apparent road rage.

"I hereby declare guilty of crimes against me, Robert Steven Everett and Nicolas Velasquez. Either by fact or by proxy, I find them both guilty. I hereby sentence both of them to death, which I carried out in August of 1998. As of that time, the State of Texas has been holding me illegally in confinement and by force for fifteen years. I hereby protest my pending execution and demand immediate relief."

Robert Gleason Jr.

Executed in 2013 for the 2009 and 2010 murders of two fellow prisoners in the prisons where he [Gleason] was serving a life sentence for a 2007 murder. Notable for being the most recent (last) execution to use the electric chair.

“Well, I hope Percy ain’t going to wet the sponge. Put me on the highway to Jackson and call my Irish buddies. Póg mo thóin. God bless."

In Irish Gaelic, the phrase “póg mo thóin” is translated as "Kiss my ass." The reference to Percy is a reference to the book/movie "The Green Mile" which has a scene of a botched electric chair execution.

Frederick Treesh

Executed in 2013 for the murder of security guard Henry Dupree during a robbery. He also murdered a video store clerk, Ghassan Danno, during a subsequent crime spree.

This is where drugs lead you. I'm not here to say I'm sorry to any of these victims that are here. I've never been tried, never been charged with that crime. I am here for Henry Dupree. I'd like to apologize to the family for what I've done. I'm sorry. You want closure? Closure only comes with a book. You close it and put it on a shelf. There is no closure. Every holiday, every birthday, everything, you will think about the victim. So if you want me murdered, just say it.”

Eric Robert

Executed in 2012 for the murder of corrections officer Ron “R.J.” Johnson during a failed escape from a South Dakota State Penitentiary where Robert was serving an 80 year sentence for a 2005 kidnapping.

“In the name of justice and liberty and mercy, I authorize and forgive Warden Douglas Weber to execute me for my crimes. It is done.”

Robert Yarbrough

Executed in 2008 for the murder/robbery of 77-year-old shopkeeper Cyril Hugh Hamby.

"Tell my kids I love them, and let's get it over with. Make people happy. Help celebrate the murder."

Robert Towery

Executed in 2012 for the murder of Arizona philanthropist Mark Jones during a robbery. Towery knew Jones from his [Towery's] mechanic business.

"I love my family. Potato, potato, potato."

'Potato, potato, potato' was a message to Towery's nephew, and a reference to the sound of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Gary Welch

Executed for the murder of Robert Dean Hardcastle during an argument over drugs.

"I want to acknowledge that my brothers are here for me, to send me off on my journey. [referring to the other Oklahoma State Penitentiary death row inmates banging on their cell doors as per tradition] They are here on my behalf. They've already given me my little send-off. So let's get it on, because that's what we're here for. Valhalla. Odin. Slay the beast! [repeated until he lost consciousness]."

Mark Anthony Stroman

Executed in 2011 for the murder of convenience store cashier, the 49-year-old Indian man Vasudev Patel in October 2001. He also confessed to the murder of cook Waqar Hasan. Hasan's murder occurred 4 days after 9/11/01.

"The Lord Jesus Christ be with me. I am at peace. Hate is going on in this world, and it has to stop. One second of hate will cause a lifetime of pain. Even though I lay on this gurney, seconds away from my death, I am at total peace. I'm still a proud American, Texas loud, Texas proud. God bless America. God bless everyone. Let's do this damn thing."

Darick Walker

Executed in 2010 for the murders of Clarence Elwood Threat and Stanley Beale.

"Last words being: I don't think y'all done this right, took y'all too long to hook it up. You can print that. That's it."

Christopher Emmett

Executed in 2008 for the murder/robbery of his (roofing) co-worker John F. Langley.

"Tell my family and friends I love them, tell the governor he just lost my vote. Y'all hurry this along, I'm dying to get out of here."

Kent Jackson

Executed in 2008 for the sexual assault/murder/mutiliation of 79-year-old Beulah Mae Kaiser.

"You all can't kill me. I'm the king. Remember me like you remember Jesus. I'll be back."

Jeffrey David Matthews

Executed in 2011 for the murder/robbery of his 77-year-old great uncle.

“Let my mother know I love her. I just want to thank everyone for their support. I also want to thank all my buddies on death row. I hear you banging. I hate to see you all in this situation. I'm sitting here enjoying my last moments. Enjoy your lives. I think that governor’s phone is broke. He hadn’t called yet.”

Christopher Thomas Johnson

Executed for the murder (by suffocation/head trauma) of his 6-month-old son Elias.

"Game over."