Whether it be execution via the electric chair, the gas chamber, the needle, the firing squad, the guillotine, or the gallows, we've always been intrigued by death row inmates. Maybe it was the spectacle of it all, or maybe it was watching someone who, for their crimes, must pay the ultimate price. No matter the reason, we've always been fascinated by the minds of those who were about to be put to death.
While the political debate rages on whether or not the death penalty is just or if it should be considered "cruel and unusual punishment," there are several states who keep it as a warning to anyone who thinks about committing violent and terrible crimes: If found guilty you will be given the same amount of mercy that you showed your victim!
While men and women on death row always come with a certain mystique, there are a few who have made their mark on history by saying some terrifying, angry, sorrowful, passionate, honest, bizarre, and sometimes downright funny last words before their criminal lives were put to an end.
As of October 1, 2013, there were 3,088 inmates waiting to be put to death in the United States.
Below are some of the most infamous death row prisoners' final words.
Please SHARE these intense last words from some of our nation's deadliest criminals!
James French, (1966): "How's this for your headline? 'French Fries' "
Serving a life sentence for killing a motorist who picked him up while hitchhiking, French murdered his cellmate to compel the state to execute him. His famous last words showed how seriously he took his crimes.
Carl Panzram, (1930): “Hurry it up, you Hoosier bastard! I could hang a dozen men while you’re screwing around!”
A serial killer, rapist, arsonist, and burglar, in 1928 Panzram was arrested and confessed to murdering two boys. Eventually he confessed to having killed over 22 people. His seemingly impatient last words show how insane he truly was.
Vincent Gutierrez, (2007): “Where's my stunt double when you need one?”
Gutierrez was found guilty of the carjacking murder of a 40-year-old man in Texas.
Tom Ketchum, (1901): “Let her rip!”
The last American to be hanged was found guilty of train robbery. The hanging itself was botched, however — the noose ripping his head off when the trapdoor retracted.
Michel Ney, (1815): "Soldiers, when I give the command to fire, fire straight at my heart. Wait for the order. It will be my last to you. I protest against my condemnation. I have fought a hundred battles for France, and not one against her ... Soldiers,
This high-ranking army official was accused of treason after Napoleon had lost at Waterloo. Refusing to wear a blindfold, he stood before the firing squad and gave them the order to fire.
Aileen Wuornos, (2002): “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 mothership and all. I’ll be back.”
Her life story, and execution, were depicted in the film Monster starring Charlize Theron. Her year-long murder spree resulted in the deaths of seven Florida men.
James Jackson, (2007): “I’m ready to roll. Time to get this party started.”
Jackson strangled his wife, Sharon, and his two stepdaughters, Sonny and Ericka. He admitted to everything and accepted his fate.
Peter Kürten, (1931): “Tell me. After my head has been chopped off, will I still be able to hear, at least for a moment, the sound of my own blood gushing from the stump of my neck? That would be a pleasure to end all pleasures.”
“The Vampire of Dusseldorf" was thought to have murdered nearly 60 people in Germany. He beat, killed, and drank the blood of at least one of his many victims.
Gary Gilmore, (1977): “Let’s do it!”
He was found guilty of the murder of two innocent men, but his memory lives on; his famous last words inspired Nike's "Just Do It" slogan.
Jeffrey Dahmer, (1994): “I don’t care if I live or die. Go ahead and kill me.”
His horrific crimes captivated the nation. He was found guilty of murdering 17 men during the 1980s. Sentenced to 16 counts of life in prison, he was beaten to death by a fellow inmate and whispered these final words to the man about to kill him.
Barbara Graham, (1955): “Good people are always so sure they’re right.”
This former prostitute beat a rich old lady to death while trying to rob her house. She was sent to the gas chamber but held her breath for a full minute in defiance.
Robert Erskine Childers, (1922): “Take a step or two forward lads, it’ll be easier that way.”
Wanting to make sure the men aiming guns at his heart did the job efficiently, this Irish nationalist fighter was executed by the state, defiant to the end.
Jeffrey Matthews, (2011): “I think that governor’s phone is broke. He hadn’t called yet.”
This man murdered his 77-year-old great uncle, and after having his execution postponed three other times thanks to the Governor, his last words were either a joke or worriedly honest as he hoped to be spared until his final moments.
George Engel, (1887): “This is the happiest moment of my life.”
Found guilty of aiding those who planted bombs during the Haymarket Riot, this anarchist wanted more than anything to be executed by the state as a martyr for his anarchist ideals.
Marie Antoinette, (1793): "Pardon me, sir, I meant not to do it."
After accidentally stepping on her executioner's foot while climbing onto the scaffolding, she kept her grace until the very end.
What do you think about these famous last words? What would you say? Let us know!
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