Here is what the last couple of days like for an inmate before an execution

Here is what the last couple of days like for an inmate before an execution and what is involved for the execution to take place On the whole, pretty quiet.

Some may pass the time reading. Some may write a last letter home. Some may spend a few hours with a clergy person, in personal conversations which are none of our business.

In some prisons, the condemned may be examined by a doctor, to certify that they are not suffering some illness or injury which would make execution an act of cruelty.

The Warden, or another senior prison official, will probably meet with the condemned to explain the process and answer any questions.

In most prisons, the condemned is removed from his regular cell perhaps 24 hours prior to the execution, and placed in a holding cell in the death house, or near to the execution chamber. Go through the link in my comment for more details ( if you can't find the link, 

He will be offered a simple last meal, which in fact many of them decline. He will most likely have a shower, and will probably be supplied with an adult diaper. He will probably be issued clothing, either a simple shirt and pants or perhaps sweatpants and a pullover shirt. Many prisoners walk into the death chamber in flip-flops or slippers.

Electrocution is rarely used these days, but in past years the condemned’s head was shaved, along with certain areas of the body where electrodes would be fastened.

If requested, the prisoner may spend some private time with a clergy person.

There is no conversation or joking or pleading with the prisoner to admit his crimes or to repent or to ask forgiveness. Just a quiet walk to the death chamber, laid onto a gurney, strapped down, needles inserted and taped into place.

In most cases, at that point, the curtains would be opened to expose the prisoner and the chamber to any invited witnesses. He would be asked if he has any final words or statement.

And then, at least as it is intended, the order would be given and two people in an adjacent room — not visible to the prisoner, nor him to them — would press the buttons to start the injection machine. A computer would select which of the control machines would actually be connected. The pumps would start, the prisoner would fall into a deep sleep. Then his breathing would be suppressed and stopped, chemically, after which his heart would be paralyzed, again chemically.

Within a few minutes, a doctor would check for any signs of life. Finding none, he would declare the prisoner deceased. The curtains would be closed, and the witnesses escorted out of the prison.

The body would be placed in a temporary casket, and transported in an unmarked vehicle to a nearby funeral home. It would be prepared for burial, and placed into a permanent casket. That casket would then be turned over to any relatives claiming the body, or it would be returned to the prison in a hearse, for burial in the prison cemetery.

Nothing exciting, nothing dramatic, nothing confused or delayed or gone wrong. All rather anti-climactic for some violent and perhaps barbarous killer. Nothing worth making a TV show or movie about. Continue reading