The last meals of executed criminals
Timothy McVeigh, who was executed by lethal injection after killing 168 people and injuring more than 680 during the Oklahoma City bombing, wanted two pints of mint chocolate chip ice cream as his last meal. His execution was carried out on June 11, 2001 in Indiana.
On June 12, 2001, Brooklyn-based photographer Jonathon Kambouris had read an article in the local paper about the execution. "When I read that Timothy McVeigh chose two pints of mint chocolate ice cream as his last meal, it immediately sent a shiver down my spine and left a lasting effect on me," Kambouris explained. "The last meal is the last choice one can make before being put to death... [It's] unarguably honest and true." That's the inspiration behind "The Last Meals Project."
Victor Feguer
On March 15, 1963, Victor Feguer wanted a single unpitted olive before being executed by hanging. He was convicted for killing Dr. Edward Bartels in Illinois with a gunshot to the head. When he was buried, the olive pit from his last meal was in his suit pocket.
Reginald Lenard Reeves
For Reginald Lenard Reeves, four pieces of chicken and two cokes was all he wanted for his last meal. He was executed on May 9, 2002 in Texas for the murder of Jenny Lynn Weeks. Before his execution, Reeves apologized and said, "I do apologize with all my heart and soul. I apologize for taking the life of your daughter, and I know how much pain you must be in. Today, this does not bring you peace because this is not really the way. I want you to know I do love you. We're all one big family in humanity."
Aileen Carol Wuornos
On October 9, 2002, prostitute Aileen Carol Wuornos, was executed by lethal injection for killing seven men in Florida. The serial killer declined a last meal, but asked for one cup of coffee. Her final words before dying were, "Yes, I would just like to say I'm sailing with the rock, and I'll be back, like Independence Day with Jesus. June 6, like the movie. Big mother ship and all, I'll be back, I'll be back."
Jonathan Wayne Nobles
For murderer Jonathan Wayne Nobles, the ideal last meal comprised of the Eucharist, also known as the Holy Communion. He was killed by lethal injection on October 7, 1998 in Texas.
Stanley "Tookie" Williams
On December 13, 2005, co-founder of American street gang, the Crips, Stanley "Tookie" Williams had oatmeal and milk before being put to death by lethal injection in California. He had always maintained his innocence for the four murders he was charged with.
John R. Thompson
Before his execution on July 8, 1987 in Texas, John R. Thompson asked for fresh-squeezed orange juice. He was executed for shooting 70-year-old Mary Kneupper to death at a storage warehouse where she worked.
