“A life for a life, let it be done and justice will be served.”

— Herman Ashworth, convicted of murder, Ohio.
Executed September 27, 2005

A deputy coroner said the injuries Daniel Baker incurred during his beating from Ashworth were similar to those of a high-speed traffic accident or a plane crash. Ashworth beat Baker with his fists and a six-foot board, took forty dollars off the unconscious man, left to go to another bar, but then returned to kill Baker to avoid identification. Ashworth claimed Baker had made a pass at him and he “freaked out.” He pleaded guilty to the charge, offering no mitigating evidence or appeals, and did not ask for clemency.

“I have something of interest to tell—”

— Paul Rowland, convicted of murder, California.
Executed September 27, 1929

Serving time for a robbery, Rowland approached Alger Morrison, a man whom he claimed as a good friend, and stabbed him with a five-inch homemade knife. Rumors circulated among the inmates that Rowland and Morrison had had a “degenerate” sexual relationship, rumors that Rowland found unendurable. His last words were cut short as the trap sprang from beneath his feet.

“I have nothing to say, sheriff. All I ask is that you get it over with as quickly as possible and please don’t blindfold me.”

— Harry Thorne, convicted of robbery and murder, firing squad, Utah.
Executed September 26, 1912

Called a “highwayman” in the papers, eighteen-year-old Thorne was executed for killing a grocery clerk. Thorne showed great interest in the executions preceding his. “Well, did he die like a man?” he would ask guards.