Michael Graczyk

I would just like to take this opportunity to point readers in the direction of a piece published last week by Associated Press writer Michael Graczyk, Recollections from Hundreds of Executions in Texas, following Texas's 500th modern-era execution.

For those that don't know, Mr. Graczyk has witnessed an inordinate number of executions as an AP reporter. He also inspired this blog. During an interview in 2009, Graczyk pointed out the existence of the TDCJ archive of last statements, which I immediately lost myself in. His stories over the years have also been vital in providing additional contextual information posted to Lost Words.

Please, as soon as you're able, read his chronicle of 30 years as a death row witness.

A peculiar morning

**Update**

After a day of archive tweeting, there are still so many more posts that I haven't gotten to, so I've decided to go ahead and extend the tweeting until I bring us back up to the present.

*****

I was awoken this morning, far too early for the sabbath, to the news that the New York Times had mentioned Lost Words in a story about the Texas DCJ's archive of executed offenders' last words. After plodding along posting to the ether for the last two years, primarily to an audience of Russian spam bots and my mom, it was a fascinating surprise to be highlighted in the grey lady and to see @theselostword's Twitter followers increase by 400% (to 40).

To welcome all the new followers, I've decided that I'll be doing some archival tweeting tomorrow, July 1st. Some of these will be notable cases (Karla Faye Tucker, Cameron Todd Willingham), and others will be selections of my personal favorites, some of them maddening, some of them hilarious, and others heartbreaking. I hope you enjoy them.

Douglas Roberts #999218; April 20, 2005

Yes sir, Warden Okay I've been hanging around this popsicle stand way too long. Before I leave, I want to tell you all. When I die, bury me deep, lay two speakers at my feet, put some headphones on my head and rock and roll me when I'm dead. I'll see you in Heaven someday. That's all Warden.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Kimberly McCarthy, #999287; June 26, 2013

I just wanted to say thanks to all who have supported me over the years: Reverend Campbell, for my spiritual guidance; Aaron, the father of Darrian, my son; and Maurie, my attorney. Thank you everybody. This is not a loss, this is a win. You know where I am going. I am going home to be with Jesus. Keep the faith. I love ya'll. Thank you, Chaplain.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

George Hopper #999037; March 8, 2005

I want to apologize to you, and I am sorry. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life. The things I did changed so many lives. I can't take it back, it was an atrocity. I am sorry. I beg your forgiveness, I know I am not worthy of it. I love you Mom and Dad, and all my family. Thank you for everything. Jesus, thank you for your love and saving grace. Thank you for shedding your blood on Calvary for me. Thank you Jesus for the love you have shown me.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Dennis Bagwell #999209; February 17, 2005

Yes sir, can you hear me? To you Irene, Thank You. I love you all. All right Warden, I'm ready.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Troy Kunkle #784; January 25, 2005

Yes sir. I would like to ask you to forgive me. I made a mistake and I am sorry for what I did. All I can do is ask you to forgive me. I love you and I will see all of you in Heaven. I love you very much. Praise Jesus. I love you. Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article