Final statement
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When a criminal is convicted and sentenced to capital punishment, the criminal can make a final statement, or his "last words", before being executed. Much of the time, the last word is an apology to family, friends, or God. Sometimes though, a final statement includes words of hatred or disgust.
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[edit] Examples
[edit] Dennis Gentry
"I'd like to thank the Lord for the past fourteen years [on death row] to grow as a man and mature enough to accept what's happening here tonight. To my family, I'm happy. I'm going home to Jesus."
[edit] Timothy McVeigh
McVeigh chose the poem Invictus.
[edit] Ronald Clark O'Bryan
"What is about to transpire in a few moments is wrong! However, we as human beings do make mistakes and errors. This execution is one of those wrongs yet doesn’t mean our whole system of justice is wrong.
Therefore, I would forgive all who have taken part in any way in my death. Also, to anyone I have offended in any way during my 39 years, I pray and ask your forgiveness, just as I forgive anyone who offended me in any way. And I pray and ask God’s forgiveness for all of us respectively as human beings.
To my loved ones, I extend my undying love. To those close to me, know in your hearts I love you one and all. God bless you all and may God’s best blessings be always yours.
Ronald C. O’Bryan
P.S. During my time here, I have been treated well by all T.D.C. personnel."
