He said, The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man convicted of a crime I did not commit. There is a central room and two witnesss rooms divided by a wall, ensuring the two groups never meet. Michelle Lyons worked as a newspaper reporter and a Texas state employee at the jail and said Willingham was swearing and yelling at his wife, Stacy Kuykendall, even as . 1584 Words | 7 Pages. "His last statement was the worst I had ever seen, she told The Mirror. Granns story establishes that, after years of supporting Willingham as he waited on death row, Stacy had lost her faith. You have been so good to me. I picked it up after finishing Trial By Fire, Grann's story in The New Yorker that made the case that Cameron Todd Willingham, a man executed by the state of Texas in 2004 for murdering his . God is real. He reasserts his innocence, and his very last words are religious. I gotta go, road dog. She reversed herself shortly before his 2004 execution, declaring that she now considered him guilty for murdering their 2-year-old daughter and her 1-year . For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Michelle Lyons has witnessed more than 300 people being executed, The first person she watched be killed was murderer Javier Cruz, Cameron Todd Willingham, delivered a foul-mouthed tirade directed at his ex-wife, Some inmates on death row refused to die quietly, Woman who watched 300 executions says prisoner told victims family I hope you die as she reveals their final words, Inside sinister rise of pink cocaine sweeping UK nightclubs as warring cartels battle to control 'Coca Cola of drugs', We live on Britain's WORST street - it's rife with drug addicts, crime & prostitutes we're terrified for our lives, Man 'naked and covered in blood' arrested before mum found 'murdered' at home as neighbours reveal hearing screams, Leicester 'explosion': Listen to massive 'sonic' boom that shook homes and rattled windows. Lyons explained that initially the process made her "completely unbiased and unaffected" by what she saw, as the executions ran like clockwork and lasted a mere few minutes. She recalled: "We had two guys in one night, and the first had a really ugly statement where he was telling the victims' families, 'I hope y'all get in a crash and die on your way home., He also said: You can kiss my ass,' and a whole bunch of stuff., Lyons explained: "It really stood out that night because it was so ugly, but then the second execution afterwards, the guy was so apologetic and was crying and telling the victim's family, 'I am so sorry I did this to you. Their father Cameron Todd Willingham es-caped from the fire, was tried, and eventually executed for their deaths. Michelle Lyons worked as a newspaper reporter and a Texas state employee at the jail and said Willingham was swearing and yelling at his wife, Stacy Kuykendall, even as he was being executed. This would include meeting with prisoners hours before they died and hearing prison chaplains offer advice to those on death row on how to die well.. The current DA, R. Lowell Thompson, told HuffPost he doesn't plan to challenge the pardon request. Through interviews with Willingham's friends and family, FRONTLINE tells the story of a troubled young man with a history of domestic violence who quickly became the prime suspect in his children . Facts: Two prosecution experts who testified that Willingham was a sociopath had never met him; one was expelled from his professional association three years later for unethical behavior. Scheidegger takes Grann to task for depicting an execution scene more dramatically in line with the articles assertion of Willinghams innocence, and suggests that the omitted vitriol points to a possible motive in the case-something the prosecution struggled to establish in court. ", Marcus Cotton Executed 3/3/04 "Yes Warden, I do. Earlier this month the bar lodged a petition in Navarro County, near Dallas, alleging that John Jackson withheld evidence that pointed to the innocence of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was executed . All of you, all of you have truly been the best. Might Willingham have been guilty after all? Harold, I love you. Lyon recalled that warden signalled for the execution to begin while he continued hurling insults at her until he finally became silent. "I gotta go, road dog. Willingham, who said he was home napping at the time . At Willinghams 1992 trial, prosecutors claimed he intentionally set fire to his home in order to kill his own children. But, I hope that you can find your peace and comfort in strength in Christ Jesus alone. Exact date yellow weather warning for snow and ice forecast to hit UK - will you be affected? Please avoid sharing any personal information in the comments below and join us in making this a hate-speech free and safe space for everyone. Resources in the case are below, along with background on the role of unvalidated forensics in wrongful convictions. From Gods dust I came and to dust I will return, so the Earth shall become my throne.. She told investigators that they hadn't been fighting and that her husband would never hurt their children. Case creates controversy as governor resists and arson experts are challenged. I will wait for you in Heaven. Lyons explained that initially the process made her "completely unbiased and unaffected" by what she saw, as the executions ran like clockwork and lasted a mere few minutes. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. He said, the only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man convicted of a crime. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Im not sure Im entirely comfortable with the way Grann structured his ending, in light of Willinghams full statement-but Im not content with Scheideggers takeaway, either. (Download the full trial transcripts here.). For a complete list of contributors, click here. Help us advocate for the innocent by sharing the latest news from the Innocence Project. I will be waiting for you. ", Angel Maturino Resendiz Executed 6/27/06"Yes sir. As previously revealed by The Sun, Lyons says this can sometimes be an arduous process as some refuse to die quietly. Final Texas Forensic Science Commission report on Willingham / Willis cases, Texas Forensic Science Commission History and Key Documents, Myths and Facts About the Willingham Case, the Chicago Tribune published an investigative report, An investigative report in the September 7, 2009, issue of the New Yorker, Read more about the TFSC and download key documents relating to the panel here, John Lentini presentation at Court of Inquiry hearing, Court of Inquiry Petition by Eugenia Willingham and Patricia Willingham Cox, Report of Craig Beyler to the Texas Forensic Science Commission, Expert Panel Report on Willingham and Willis convictions, Innocence Project Filing to Texas Forensic Science Commission, Gerald Hurst Report on Willingham Arson Investigation, Hurst report on Ernest Willis arson investigation, Documents Obtained from Texas via Open Records Act, Visit our Texas Forensic Science Commission page, Texas Forensic Science Commission Set to Discuss Willingham Case and Arson Convictions Statewide, 400 People from 120 Texas Towns Including 15 Exonerated with DNA Testing Urge State Panel to Continue Willingham Probe, New Report Shows that Cameron Todd Willingham, Executed in Texas in 2004, Was Innocent, Innocence Project Submits Two Arson Cases to Texas Commission and Requests System-Wide Review, Thanks to Willingham Inquiry, Old Cases Getting New Look, Forensic Panel Calls for Review of Past Arson Cases, Perry Squashed Texas Execution Probe, Ex-Official Says, Advocates Urge Panel to Continue Willingham Probe, Sam Bassett, the Texas Tribune Interview (Video), Forensic Science Commission Still Has Work To Do, Forensic Panel Should Be Aggressive, Despite AG Opinion, Forensic Panel Off Willingham Case, Attorney General Says, New Leader for Inquiry Into Forensic Evidence, Texas Forensic Panel Adopts Arson Recommendations, Texas Forensic Panel Delays Final Decision in Willingham Arson Case, Arson Experts Testify Investigation Violated Standards, Fire Expert Criticizes Investigation That Led to Execution, Texas Prosecutor Denies Showing Bias in Arson Case, Forensic Panel Criticized Their Leader for Calling Willingham a Guilty Monster, Familys Effort to Clear Name Frames Debate on Executions, At Willingham Hearing, Science Finally Takes Center Stage, Texas Reopens Case of Man Executed For Arson, Murder, Appellate Court Orders Halt to Willingham Inquiry, Court blocks ruling in death-penalty inquiry, Forensic Commissioners Push Back Against Bradley, Forensic Science Commission Takes Up Willingham, Bradley loses, Forensics Panel Will Call Experts, State panel declines to clear investigators in Willingham case, Texas Panel Unwilling to End inquiry in arson case, Panel Unwilling To End Arson Inquiry & Midday Roundup, Looks Like Forensics Chair Bradley Will Lose Battle, Texas Panel Goes Into Closed Session in Arson Case, State Forensic Hearing on Cameron Todd Willingham Arson Case Goes Behind Closed Doors, Texas Inquiry into Disputed Arson Case Could End, Panel Must Clear the Air in Arson Case Investigation, State Forensic Science Commission Takes up Arson Case Again, Fire Marshals Stand by Original Arson Report, Editorial: Forensics Panel Should Hear Experts, Lawmakers Criticize Panels Arson Investigation, Texas Panel Ready to End Disputed Arson Inquiry, Forensic Revolt Again Is In Order (09/12/10), Willingham Case on Science Panels Agenda, Finding Ways to Reduce Wrongful Convictions, Rick Perry Seceded from the People of Texas, Innocence Project Comments on Willingham Case, Texas state board says arson investigators used flawed science, Panel Cites Flawed Science in Arson Case, Commission: No negligence or misconduct by investigators in fatal fire, Forensic Panel Must Resist Panels Efforts at Sabotage, Forensic Panel must Resist Chairs Efforts at Sabotage, Supporting Forensic Reform to Improve the Accuracy of the Criminal Justice System, September 2009 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on improving forensic science. She reversed herself shortly before his 2004 execution, declaring that she now considered him guilty for murdering their 2-year-old daughter and her 1-year-old twin sisters. In July 2011, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued an opinion in response to questions from the commission about jurisdiction and authority. Saying that Willingham is guilty is not new for Kuykendall, but it's a 180-degree change from the early years of the case. I don't know what to say. Innocence Project Co-Director Barry Scheck responded that the the reasoning of the opinion is wrong and contrary to the clear intention of the legislature when it formed the Commission.. TIL that the real last words of Cameron Todd Willingham, executed in 2004 but now widely believed to be innocent, were a stream of curses directed at his ex-wife who was watching the execution and who claimed that he had confessed to her . But others she admits are very hard to forget as she recalled the horrific final words of one inmate. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Is it the wholetruth? Two-year-old Amber Louise Kuykendall and one-year-old twins Karmen Diane Willingham and Kameron Marie Willingham were killed in 1991 in a fire that Willingham claimed was an accident. If my death gives you any peace, so be it.I want my friends to know it is not the way to die, but I belong to Jesus Christ. Take me home, oh Lord. Its basically like reading a 300-page Indiana Jones movie that teaches you important and incredible things about the world. Also back in October, but apparently, near-totally unnoticed, there was a post over on the legal blog Crime and Consequences that finally did print all of Willinghams final words. No way you "accidentally" leave a kid in a . Two weeks before Willingham's execution date in 2004, famed arson analyst Gerald Hurst took a fresh look at the case. The Innocence Project assembled five of the nations leading independent arson experts to review the evidence in the case, and this prestigious group issued a 48-page report finding that none of the scientific analysis used to convict Willingham was valid. In 1991, when a fire destroyed the Willinghams home in Corsicana, Texas, and took the lives of 2-year-old Amber and 1-year-old twins Karmen and Kameron, Cameron was the only one who managed to escape. Though she hadn't said this to investigators or during his trial, Kuykendall said she threatened to divorce Willingham the night before the fire. But she shifted her outlook shortly before his 2004 execution, proclaiming that she now found him guilty of deliberately setting fire to their house. Michelle's notes say that his final words were: "The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man - convicted of a crime I did not commit. 1 year old twins: Kameron, Karmon, and two year old: Amber. She also added her experience about a man named Rodolfo Hernandez, that she felt had been treated harshly with his death sentence. Anthony Graves had nothing to do with it. My wife, who had been up a flight of stairs, beat me there. of Criminal Justice. The reporter also said she witnessed the last moments of Brian Keith Roberson, who stabbed his neighbors James Boots, 79, and Lillian Boots, 74, to death during a burglary in Dallas in 1986. On Feb. 17, 2004, Cameron Todd Willingham was executed by the state of Texas for a triple homicide that never happened. Fade to black. Before prison officials administer the lethal cocktail of drugs used to carry out executions, the condemned may say their final piece. This is because Willingham was anything but that; he regularly verbally abused and beat his wife, and in some of these instances, the police was called. Willingham was executed in 2004. Click on the document to see photos of the prisoner and a description of the crime. I am at peace with God. . What was did, cannot be undone. Willingham's three children -- 2-year-old Amber Kuykendall and 1-year-old twins Karmon and Kameron Willingham, died of smoke inhalation. 1. ', "It was just such a crazy contrast to see in the space of 30 minutes, and it stuck with me.. I gotta go, road dog. Ask the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to investigate the wrongful execution of Cameron Todd Willingham! I don't deserve to cause you pain. ", George Whitaker III Executed 11/12/08"First off I'd like to say to Mr. and Mrs. Carrier, I apologize for your pain and suffering. Trial by Fire is a 2018 American biographical drama film directed by Edward Zwick.The story is based upon David Grann's article "Trial by Fire" that appeared in The New Yorker in 2009. He was put to death for allegedly taking his daughters' lives by intentionally setting fire to their home. Trial by Fire: Directed by Edward Zwick. His wife, 22-year old Stacy Willingham, had gone out early that morning to do some last-minute Christmas shopping. Abul, behold your son, and Anitra, behold your mother. Willingham, 23, the children's father, and the only . That is it.". What Happened To Cameron Todd Willingham? A WOMAN who has seen nearly 300 prisoners die at Huntsville State Prison in Texas said she still remembers the final words of Cameron Willingham, who killed his three daughters. Yet, Michelle explained that by far the most chilling part of the process is when the inmates are given the opportunity to talk before they depart. So now, lets find out where she is, shall we? "They don't allow that usually. That process could take months. A letter to the editor revealed that there was more to his last words than that, however. Willingham was convicted of murdering his three daughters by arson in 1992 and was executed on February 17, 2004. Months after Willingham was executed, the Chicago Tribune published an investigative report that raised questions about the forensic analysis. Stacy Kuykendall prefers to remain out of the spotlight. For other inquiries, Contact Us. This page is an online memorial to Cameron Todd Willigham, an innocent man who was executed by the state of Texas for a crime he did not commit. Aftermath of the fire [Texas State Fire Marshal's Office] On December 23, 1991, fire gutted the home where Cameron Todd Willingham, then 23, lived with his wife, Stacy Kuykendall, and the couple's three daughters: two-year-old Amber Kuykendall and one . Here are five crucial facts about the case. She explained that on the day of his execution, he thanked her for helping him meet with police officers so he could confess to other crimes he'd committed because he hadnt wanted to die with them on his conscience., 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Michelle Lyons has witnessed more than 300 people being executed, The first person she watched be killed was murderer Javier Cruz, Cameron Todd Willingham, delivered a foul-mouthed tirade directed at his ex-wife, Some inmates on death row refused to die quietly, Woman who watched 300 executions says prisoner told victims family I hope you die as she reveals their final words, Bristol explosion - Homes evacuated after 'suspicious' blast rocks street, Sister of solicitor, 59, who died of blood clot after AstraZeneca vaccine vows she will still get second dose herself, Couple baffled why their bathroom keeps flooding shocked to discover massive SNAKE blocking the drain, Join Bear Grylls in Week 2 of his 40 day military fitness challenge to get Brits into shape, US watching Russias doomsday nuke testing very closely as Putins new Arctic warfare terrifies the world, Calls to lift lockdown faster as Covid fades to lowest level since July as cases more than HALVED in week, 'Big cat' caught on CCTV in Cheshire after couple discover strange footprints and slain chicken. In 2004, Cameron Todd Willingham was executed afters years of trying to appeal his conviction, maintaining his innocence until the end. I love and cherish my friends and family. Investigation Discoverys Evil Lives Here: What If He Was Innocent? examines one of the most fascinating tales in American true-crime history by putting the focus on Cameron Todd Willingham once again. Texas put Cameron Todd Willingham to death by lethal injection on Feb. 17, 2004, for the murder of his three children by arson in 1991. I have been persecuted for 12 years for something I did not do. Lyons who is a mother to a daughter herself claimed that during the killers execution, his wife was behind a glass window witnessing it, and he screamed at her: "I hope you rot in hell, b***h. I hope you f**king rot in hell.". I have asked myself, why did he get involved with drugs? "Mothers love their children and always will, no matter what happens in their lives. His hopes and dreams became a fantasy. Anthony Graves don't even know anything about it. A WOMAN who has seen nearly 300 prisoners die at Huntsville State Prison in Texas said she still remembers the final words of Cameron Willingham, who killed his three daughters. I got to go sister, I love you. I hope you f***ing rot, c***. This would include meeting with prisoners hours before they died and hearing prison chaplains offer advice to those on death row on how to die well.. The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man-convicted of a crime I did not commit. Its basically like reading a 300-page Indiana Jones movie that teaches you important and incredible things about the world. That's the story of my whole life, that's what alcohol will do for you. On the night of January 8, 1992, two weeks after the fire, Willingham was riding in a car with Stacy when SWAT teams surrounded them, forcing them to the side of the road. I have been persecuted for twelve years for something I did not do. "I spent years not knowing, but Todd gave me that. If the citizens dont do away with the death penalty, Texas wont be a safe place to be. His body was cremated and his ashes secretly spread on his children's graves by his parents. Cameron Todd Willingham, of Texas, was the husband of Stacy Willingham and the loving father of three young girls.There is a reason why I did not include the word 'loving' in front of the word 'husband'. Its the best magazine article I read this year. Sunday, September 27, 2009. I love you.I am ready to go home and be with my Lord. It ends like this: Just before Willingham received the lethal injection, he was asked if he had any last words. Photo courtesy Todd Willingham . Cameron Todd Willingham's words before his execution. Cameron Todd Willingham, of Texas, was the husband of Stacy Willingham and the loving father of three young girls.There is a reason why I did not include the word 'loving' in front of the word 'husband'. I thank God for having patience with me. I was in their reformatory schools and penitentiary, but ah, they create monsters in there. "Todd is guilty, the criminal justice system and the courts confirmed his guilt, and he should not be pardoned for his crimes," Kuykendall said in an exclusive statement to The Huffington Post. We both knew he had no future left! Background on the cases of 17 people exonerated through DNA testing after spending years on death row. Cameron Todd Willingham (January 9, 1968 - February 17, 2004) was an American man who was convicted and executed for the murder of his three young children by arson at the family home in Corsicana, Texas, on December 23, 1991.Since Willingham's 2004 execution, significant controversy has arisen over the legitimacy of the guilty verdict and the interpretation of the evidence that was used to . My life is all I can give. Protestors posthumously campaigning for Cameron Willingham's innocence, photographed outside a hearing in 2010 (Image: Jay Jenner/AP) An American chemist and fire investigator named Gerald Hurst was able to rebut the evidence of arson brought against Willingham. I have been persecuted for 12 years for something I did not do. As Willingham's relatives seek to erase his conviction, with experts dismissing the original fire investigation as primitive and conducted using out-of-date techniques, Kuykendall renewed her insistence that her ex-husband started the blaze. He knew the thought of life wasnt ticking in his head. Yes, if one defines truth in the Clintonesque way of defensible as not literally false. The process usually sees witnesses and the media brought into a small viewing room where the inmate is already strapped to a gurney. Read more about the TFSC and download key documents relating to the panel here. A letter to the editor revealed that there was more to his last words than that, however. In 1991, there was a fire at Willingham's home in Corsicana, Texas that quickly grew into a full blaze, completely engulfing the house. As incomprehensible as it seems, Scheidegger wrote, we know that some fathers do kill their young children, and anger at the mother is one commonreason.. more to his last words than that, however. Its the best book I read this year. To all of the racist white folks in America that hate black folks and to all of the black folks in America that hate themselves, she claimed he said, while tied to an electric chair. Usually, the warden will allow them to talk for about two minutes. You don't have to. Thank Chaplain Taylor and Jane. Michelle's book Death Row: The Final Minutes, is available now. Cameron Todd Willingham was in jail, charged with murdering his daughters, when he supposedly confessed to a fellow inmate named Johnny Webb. I hope you rot in hell, bitch; I hope you fucking rot in hell, bitch. He asked Stacy if his tombstone could be erected next to their childrens graves. ", Cameron Todd Willingham Executed 2/17/04"Yeah. Cameron Todd Willingham was executed by the state of Texas on February 17 200 Ten years after that was first published it has now been adapted into a film starring British actor O'Connell as . ", Dennis Dowthitt Executed 3/7/01"I am so sorry for what y'all had to go through. Gov. And on October 15, the Texas Forensic Science Commission discussed the case in depth at its regular meeting. That was until she spoke to him shortly before his execution. "You b****. Willingham was executed by lethal injection in Huntsville on February 17, 2004. Willingham was sleeping when a fire broke out in his family's home. I have known the love of a good woman, my wife. After a trial of more than two weeks, a Texas jury on Wednesday found that former state prosecutor John Jackson had not committed misconduct in the 1992 death penalty trial of Cameron Todd Willingham. All Rights Reserved. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. Everybody has been so good to me.I love all of you very much. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice keeps a record of these last statements. This is because Willingham was anything but that; he regularly verbally abused and beat his wife, and in some of these instances, the police was called. Take me home. However, a police investigation determined that the fire had been started using some sort of liquid accelerant, and Willingham was reportedly relatively unharmed after the fire. 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