This week in 1903

“I have nothing to say except that I am innocent.”

— Peter Mortensen, convicted of murder, firing squad, Utah.
Executed November 20, 1903

Because of his cocky attitude, Mortensen was so unpopular with other prisoners that during an escape his fellow prisoners opened every cell but his. On the day of his execution he praised guards, the warden, and other officers involved in his case, and he declined an opiate and a cigar. After Mortensen was executed, pieces of the bullets were given to officers as souvenirs.