This week in 1923

“Dope started me on my way. I’ve seen the time I’d give my life for the stuff. Now I’m giving it away any way.”

— George Donnelly, convicted of murder, hanging, California.
Executed February 23, 1923

A “cell tender” at Folsom Prison, Donnelly was serving fourteen years for a drugstore robbery. As the prisoners were lined up for supper, Donnelly overheard Earl Morse and another inmate fighting. He made his way toward the men and stabbed Morse in the back of the neck with a makeshift knife. Morse lived long enough to identify his attacker.