“Come on with it.”

— John Schmitt, convicted of murder, lethal injection, Virginia
Executed November 9, 2006

Laying on the gurney, Schmitt looked to see his execution witnesses.  They comprised of two news reporters, a fiction writer, the police officers who investigated his robberies of a NationsBank branch and the family of Sheldon Earl Dunning, the security guard Schmitt was convicted of murdering in his second robbery.  Outside the prison, a half-hour before his death, members of the Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty held a candlelight vigil for Schmitt after his last minute appeal was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court.

“I want to thank my attorneys, Father Walsh…Sylvia, te quiero mucho y a Consulado, te quiero decir muchas gracias por todo. I want to say I am sorry and I say a prayer today for you so you can have peace and I hope that you can forgive me. God is waiting and God is waiting now.”

— Miguel Flores, convicted of murder and sexual assualt, lethal injection, Texas
Executed November 9, 2000

Separated by a window and a few feet, the family of Flores watched his final sentence unfold for convicted abduction rape and murder of a 20-year-old woman.  Previously, Flores, a native of Mexico, became the subject of a possible violation of international criminal justice treaties between Texas and Mexican foreign officials who tried to block Flores’ execution.  Flores’ execution became one of many overlooked by the media in the midst of the 2000 presidential election.

“All praises be to God.  I would like to say to the Garza family, see my smile, it is not from happiness.  I took a father, it wasn’t my fault, it was an accident… God knows the truth.  If my life could bring your father back, then let it be.  Don’t take my smile for disrespect.  If I see your father I will ask him forgiveness.  I told the Judge the truth it was an accident.  I’ll smile and I am not sad.  If my life could make you happy, be free.  I’ll say when I see him I’m sorry.  I have no anger nor fear.  Mom have no fear.  Mommy I will be home when I get there. ”

— Willie Shannon, convicted of murder, lethal injection, Texas
Executed November 8, 2006

According to police reports, it had been only 10 minutes since Willie Shannon raped a maid in nearby hotel when he attempted to steal Benjamin Garza’s car.  Shannon shot Garza in the head, dumped the body and took the car.  He was arrested after police spotted the stolen car.  Wilien Shannon had no criminal record prior to his conviction.  He was 19 when he committed the murder.