Since reinstating 'ultimate justice' in 1982, the state of Texas has kept a record of the final statements of condemned prisoners. Here are some of the most memorable
Last week, the state of Texas executed its 500th death row inmate since reinstating "ultimate justice" in 1982. The final statements of each prisoner are catalogued online by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice– a chilling insight into the last thoughts of the condemned. Here are just a few of these unsettling reads.
'No speeches'
Charlie Livingston, 21 November 1997
You all brought me here to be executed, not to make a speech. That's it.
'Thank you, guys'
James Collier, 11 December 2002
The only thing I want to say is that I appreciate the hospitality that you guys have shown me and the respect; and the last meal was really good … Thank you, guys, for being there and giving me a little bit of spiritual guidance and support.
'I am really so sorry'
Dennis Dowthitt, 7 March 2001
I am so sorry for what y'all had to go through ... if I was y'all, I would have killed me. You know? I am really so sorry about it, I really am. I got to go sister, I love you. Y'all take care and God bless you. Gracie was beautiful and Tiffany was beautiful. You had some lovely girls and I am sorry. I don't know what to say. All right, Warden, let's do it.
'Kiss my black ass'
Brian Roberson, 9 August 2000
Since I have already said all I need to say to all my loved ones, I'm not going to say anything to y'all at this time ... So this is my statement. To all of the racist white folks in America that hate black folks and to all of the black folks in America that hate themselves: the infamous words of my famous legendary brother, Matt Turner: "Y'all kiss my black ass." Let's do it.
'Thanks for coming'
David Long, 8 December 1999
Ah, just ah sorry ya'll. I think of [sic] tried everything I could to get in touch with ya'll to express how sorry I am. I never was right after that incident happened ... I was raised by the California Youth Authority, I can't really pinpoint where it started, what happened, but really believe that's just the bottom line, what happened to me was in California. I was in their reformatory schools and penitentiary, but ah they create monsters in there. That's it, I have nothing else to say. Thanks for coming, Jack.
'Let's do it'
GW Green, 12 November 1991
Let's do it, man. Lock and load. Ain't life a [expletive deleted]?