Hello faithful readers. As of now, World Class Federalists in Paradise is moving to Typepad, and our new address will be www.worldclassfederalists.com!
This is an exciting step up for us. I have redesigned the site a bit, so it should be a little easier on the eyes, and we’ll have a lot more functionality (like categories). Please update your bookmarks, links, etc., and thanks for your tireless support!
I followed this link from this post on Crescat Sententia a while back. It leads to a State of Texas website that lists every person executed in Texas since 1982, and along with demographic information, each entry includes two links: one to a rap sheet summarizing the crime committed, and the other to the offender’s last words. I read at least five years back, and at the risk of sounding melodramatic, it was quite a profound experience. While it didn’t significantly affect the tenor of my thinking on capital punishment, it may have strengthened my resolve to stay undecided. If you can stomach it, here are some examples:
In 1999 Larry Hayes killed his wife, shooting her in the head eight times with a .44 pistol. While fleeing the scene, he stole a car and killed the woman driving, firing two shots, also to the head. He was executed on September 10th, 2003:
I would like for Rosalyn’s family and loved ones and my wife, Mary’s, family to know that I am genuinely sorry for what I did. I would like you to reach down in your hearts and forgive me. There is no excuse for what I did. Rosalyn’s mother asked me at the trial, “Why?” and I do not have a good reason for it. Please forgive me. As for my friends and family here - thanks for sticking with me and know that I love you and will take part of you with me. I would like to thank one of the arresting officers that I would have killed if I could have. He gave me CPR, saved my life, and gave me a chance to get my life right. I know I will see Mary and Rosalyn tonight. I love you all.
In 1992, Kelsey Patterson walked up behind a 63-year old business owner he was acquainted with and fatally shot him with a .38 pistol. Patterson walked away, but returned when a 41-year old secretary discovered the body and began screaming. He killed her with a shot to the head. The motive for the initial killing was unclear. He was executed on May 18th, 2004:
Statement to what. State What. I am not guilty of the charge of capital murder. Steal me and my family’s money. My truth will always be my truth. There is no kin and no friend; no fear what you do to me. No kin to you undertaker. Murderer. [Portion of statement omitted due to profanity] Get my money. Give me my rights. Give me my rights. Give me my rights. Give me my life back.
In 1985, David Ray Harris attempted to kidnap a 26 year old woman, forcing her boyfriend into a bathroom. The boyfriend, a 30-year old finance manager at a car dealership, escaped, grabbed a gun, and pursued them into the parking lot where a shootout ensued. Ten shots were fired. The boyfriend was hit five times, and died later. Harris was executed on June 30th, 2004:
Yes I do. Sir, in honor of a true American hero, “Let’s roll.” Lord Jesus receive my spirit.
I haven’t blogged since I started my gluttonous vacation job as a summer associate (and I see my co-bloggers haven’t exactly picked up the slack). I’m not sure whether this is because I’m lazy or because firm life has robbed me of all original thought, but regardless, I apologize to our faithful reader(s). I should have some new posts coming soon.