Last Words Spoken By Criminals Before Execution

Torrey Twane McNabb

Torrey Twane McNabb shot and killed a Montgomery police officer, earning him a spot on death row, in 1997. He was killed via lethal injection after many failed attempts by his attorney’s to intervene. 

His final words were, “Mom, sis, look at my eyes. I got no tears. I am unafraid. To the state of Alabama, I hate you… I hate you. I hate you.”

George Appel

In the 1920’s George Appel was convicted of murdering a NYC police officer. He was sentenced to death, and when the day of his execution rolled around, he wasn’t going to go down without some memorable last words. 

Back then, there was no lethal injection, but rather the electric chair. Before he was electrocuted, he announced, “Well, gentlemen, you are about to see a baked Appel.”

Barbara Graham 

Barbara Graham was a well-known American criminal who, during an armed robbery, killed an elderly woman. She was caught, convicted of murder, and sentenced to death in 1953. 

She was killed by the gas chamber for her crimes, but not before the press gave her the nickname, Bloody Babs. Her last words were,”Good people are always so sure they’re right.”

Erskine Childers

Erskine Childers was executed by fire squad for his evolvement in smuggling illegal firearms into Ireland via his sailing yacht. He was executed before his appeal was decided upon, and did something that most men wouldn’t do to his executioners–he shook their hands.

He also ordered his 16-year-old son to shake the hands of everyone who signed his death warrant. His last words were “Take a step forward, lads. It will be easier that way.”

Madame du Barry

“You are going to hurt me, please don’t hurt me, just one more moment, I beg you!” were the last words of Madame du Barry right before she was executed for financially supporting people who fled the French Revolution. 

She was publicly beheaded by guillotine at the Place de la Concorde and her pleas went unanswered.

James French

James French, the American Murder, was the last person executed in Oklahoma before the laws changed and suspended execution from 1972-1976.

Although he fought for his life, he calmly walked into the execution chamber and said, “How about this for a headline for tomorrow’s paper? French fries.” He was executed via the electric chair.

Thomas J. Grasso

In 1995 Thomas J. Grasso was sentenced to death after committing two murders. He killed an 87 year old woman with her Christmas lights, and an 81 year old man a few months later.

He was executed by lethal injection and his last words to the press were,”I did not get my Spaghetti-O’s, I got spaghetti. I want the press to know this.”

George Engel

In 1886 George Engel was convicted of conspiracy following the McCormick Plant bombing in Chicago. 

He was executed by hanging but before they were able to kill him, he said, “Hurrah for anarchy! This is the happiest moment of my life.”

Aileen Wuornos

The American serial killer Aileen Wuornos was convicted of killing seven men in Florida within a year. She was sentenced to death for her crimes and officially executed in 2012 by lethal injection.

Before her death she said,”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.”

Saddam Hussein

The fifth president or Iraq was sentenced to death after being found guilty of crimes against humanity in 2006 by the Iraqi Special Tribunal. 

He was accused of killing 148 Iraqi Shi’ites and eventually hung for his crimes. His last words were, “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is God’s messenger.”

Karla Faye Tucker Brown

Karla Faye Tucker Brown plead guilty to murder after a robbery gone wrong. She was sentenced to death, being the first woman executed in the US since 1984.

Her last words were, “I am going to be face to face with Jesus now… I love you all very much. I will see you all when you get there… I will wait for you.”

Johnny Frank Garrett Sr.

Johnny Frank Garrett Sr. was convicted of raping and murdering a 76 year-old-nun, a hideous crime that won him a death sentence.

He was executed by lethal injection and his last words were, “I’d like to thank my family for loving me and taking care of me. And the rest of the world can kiss my ass.” Years after his execution, many believed that he wasn’t actually guilty of the crime.

Sarah Good

Sarah Good was one of the most famous women to be executed for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. She was accused of terrorizing the townspeople and casting evil spells, and eventually publicity hung.

Her last words were,“I am no more a witch than you are a wizard, and if you take away my life, God will give you blood to drink.”

Jimmy L. Glass

Jimmy L. Glass was a convicted murderer that was eventually executed by the state of Louisiana. 

He was in the Webster Parish, Jail for previous crimes when he escaped in December 1982. While he was on the run he killed two people, earning him a death sentence. His last words were “I’d rather be fishing.”

Bennie Demps

In 1976 Bennie Demps was in Florida State Prison when he was convicted of killing a fellow inmate. He was sentenced to death by lethal injection, even though there was no physical evidence connecting him to the crime.

His last words were, “They butchered me back there, I was in a lot of pain. They cut me in the groin; they cut me in the leg. I was bleeding profusely. This is not an execution, it is murder.”

Robert Drew

Many people believe the death penalty should be illegal, however, in some states it’s still legal. 

Robert Drew was sentenced to death after being convicted of stabbing a man to death. Before his death, he said, “Remember, the death penalty is murder.”

Ted Bundy

American serial killer Ted Bundy was finally captured after killing nearly 30 young women in 7 states. 

He was a rapist, killer, burglar, and necrophile that was eventually sentenced to death. Before his execution he said “I’d like you to give my love to my family and friends.”

James Allen Red Dog

James Allen was a vicious murderer who raped and killed a young woman and her roommate.

He was a career criminal who was sentenced to death by lethal injection. His last words were,”I’m going home, babe.”

Robert Alton Harris

In 1978 Robert Alton Harris was convicted of killing two teenage boys and immediately robbed a bank using their cars.

He was sentenced to death by gas chamber, and his last words were, “You can be a king or a street sweeper, but everyone dances with the Grim Reaper.”

Carl Panzram

Carl Panzram was one of the most vicious people to ever lived. He admitted to killing 22 people and sodomizing over 1,000 men. 

He was sentenced to death by hanging and had a few words for the executioner, “Hurry it up you Hoosier bastard! I could hang a dozen men while you’re screwing around.”