19 Weirdest Last Meal Requests From Death Row Inmates
Published June 6, 2024
The tradition of the last meal before execution has fascinated the public for years. It provides a moving view of the last hours of inmates on death row. This custom, which allows inmates to select their final meal, often leads to requests that vary from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
In this article, we’ll examine the history of this practice and highlight some of the weirdest last meal requests ever documented.
A Brief History Of The Last Meal
The tradition of giving a final meal to condemned prisoners dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in many cultural and religious customs. Historically, this gesture was seen as an act of mercy, offering the individual a moment for atonement and reflection. Over time, this practice evolved, becoming a formal aspect of the execution process in many regions worldwide.
Though the tradition persists, its specifics can vary widely between countries and states. Some places enforce stringent guidelines on what can be requested, while others adopt a more lenient approach. For example, Texas abolished special last meal requests in 2011 after an inmate’s extravagant order went uneaten. Prisons impose budget limits or restrict choices to what is available in the prison kitchen.
Notable Weird Last Meal Requests
When it comes to final requests, some prisoners on death row have made notably strange choices for their last meals. From unusual combinations to requests that defy logic, these weirdest death row last meals offer a glimpse into the minds of those facing their final moments.
1. Gary Simmons Jr.
In 2012, Gary Simmons Jr. was executed in Mississippi and requested an elaborate final meal. His feast included two pizzas, a large sandwich with jalapeños, nacho cheese, grape juice, and a cake.
2. Robert Alton Harris
Robert Alton Harris was executed in California in 1992. For his last meal, he chose a 21-piece bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, two large Domino’s pizzas, ice cream, a pouch of jelly beans, a six-pack of Pepsi, and a pack of Camel cigarettes.
3. John Wayne Gacy
John Wayne Gacy, the infamous serial killer, requested a final meal before his 1994 Illinois execution. It consisted of a dozen deep-fried shrimp, a bucket of KFC original recipe chicken, French fries, and a pound of strawberries.
4. Adolf Eichmann
Adolf Eichmann, one of the principal designers of the Holocaust, refused a special last meal before his execution in Israel in 1962. Instead, he chose a bottle of Carmel, a dry red Israeli wine.
5. Peter J. Miniel
Peter J. Miniel was executed in Texas in 2004. He made a remarkable last meal request: 20 beef tacos, 20 beef enchiladas, two double cheeseburgers, a jalapeño pizza, fried chicken, spaghetti with salt, half a chocolate cake, half a vanilla cake, cookies and cream ice cream, caramel pecan fudge, and two Coca-Colas.
6. Velma Barfield
Velma Barfield was the first woman to be executed in the United States after the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. She requested a simple meal of Cheez-Doodles and a can of Coca-Cola.
7. Lawrence Russell Brewer
Lawrence Russell Brewer’s last meal request in Texas was very excessive. It included two chicken-fried steaks, a triple-meat bacon cheeseburger, a cheese omelet, fried okra, three fajitas, a pound of barbecued meat, a meat lover’s pizza, a pint of Blue Bell ice cream, and a slab of peanut butter fudge with pulverized peanuts. However, he did not consume any of it, prompting Texas to abolish special last meal requests.
8. Timothy McVeigh
Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, chose two pints of mint chocolate chip ice cream as his last meal before his execution in 2001.
9. Thomas J. Grasso
Thomas J. Grasso ordered a lavish meal. It had two dozen steamed mussels and clams, a double cheeseburger, half a dozen barbecued spare ribs, two strawberry milkshakes, half a pumpkin pie, and a can of SpaghettiOs. However, he expressed dissatisfaction upon receiving regular spaghetti instead.
10. Gary Gilmore
In 1977, Gary Gilmore was executed by firing squad in Utah. He requested a hamburger, hard-boiled eggs, a baked potato, coffee, and three shots of Jack Daniel’s whiskey for his last meal.
11. Allen Lee Davis
In 1999, Allen Lee Davis was executed in Florida. For his last meal, he requested lobster tail and fried potatoes. He also wanted half a pound of fried shrimp, six ounces of fried clams, and half a loaf of garlic bread. To drink, he wanted 32 ounces of root beer.
12. Victor Feguer
In 1963, Victor Feguer was executed in Iowa. For his last meal, he asked for a single olive with the pit still in it, symbolizing peace and perhaps a new beginning.
13. Philip Workman
Philip Workman’s last meal request was remarkable; he asked for a vegetarian pizza to be given to a homeless person. Although the prison declined his request, it inspired others to carry out his wishes on his behalf.
14. James Edward Smith
While most death row last meals feature lavish and unusual last meals, James Edward Smith made an extraordinary request: a lump of dirt. His request was denied, so he settled for a cup of yogurt instead.
15. Aileen Wuornos
Aileen Wuornos, a notorious female serial killer, made a unique choice for her last meal before her execution in Florida in 2002. Unlike other serial killers last meals, she declined a special feast and simply requested a cup of coffee.
16. Gerald Lee Mitchell
In 2001, before his execution in Texas, Gerald Lee Mitchell requested a bag of assorted Jolly Ranchers candies as his final meal.
17. Stephen Anderson
Stephen Anderson was executed in California in 2002. He requested an unusual last meal: two grilled cheese sandwiches and a pint of cottage cheese. He also asked for a mix of hominy and corn, peach pie, chocolate chip ice cream, and radishes. This blend of comfort foods and unusual items, like radishes, makes his request memorable.
18. Ricky Ray Rector
In 1992, Ricky Ray Rector, executed in Arkansas, requested a last meal of steak, fried chicken, cherry Kool-Aid, and pecan pie. Notably, he left the pecan pie untouched, remarking that he would save it for later.
19. Ted Bundy
Ted Bundy, one of the most infamous American serial killers, refused a special last meal before his execution in Florida in 1989. Instead, he was served the standard last meal for Florida death row inmates. It included medium rare steak, over-easy eggs, hash browns, toast with butter and jelly, milk, and juice. His refusal to request a specific meal adds an eerie layer of unsettling normalcy to his final moments.
Impact On Popular Culture
The tradition of last meal requests has embedded itself in popular culture and is frequently depicted in films, TV shows, and books. These last meals death row requests evoke a macabre curiosity, often underscoring the humanity of those facing execution. These individuals’ personalities and final moments captivate the media and the public.
A Glimpse Into Humanity: Final Thoughts On Last Meal Requests
The tradition of granting last meal requests to death row inmates offers profound insights into human nature, compassion, and societal perspectives on capital punishment. Some requests evoke comfort and nostalgia, while others highlight eccentricity and defiance. Ultimately, these final meals represent a last act of humanity toward those confronting the ultimate penalty.
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About The Author
Hello! I’m Corinne, a nursing graduate from Riverside College with a flair for writing. Thanks to the thorough research into each piece, my work stands out for its quality and accuracy. I believe in the power of storytelling to connect with people from all walks of life.
