", Furthermore, a fellow final speech, delivered by Cameron Todd Willingham, saw a tirade directed at his ex-wife, including every swear word you could imagine.. Anthony Graves had nothing to do with it. I love you all, take care. Her words could hinder the latest attempts by Willingham's stepmother Eugenia Willingham and cousin Patricia Willingham Cox to alter his record. 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. KERA Public TV and Radio for North Texas: Houston Chronicle Op-Ed by Barry Scheck and Patricia Cox. The case was originally prosecuted by the Navarro County district attorney. He reasserts his innocence, and his very last words are religious. I love you too Pop, keep your head up. I had a good life. The former journalist said: "You do have some that would just do outlandish stuff. The film stars Jack O'Connell, Laura Dern, Emily Meade, Jeff Perry and Jade Pettyjohn.. Trial by Fire had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2018 and was released on May 17, 2019, by . On December 23, 1991, a fire destroyed the Corsicana, Texas, home Cameron Todd Willingham shared with his wife and three daughters, killing the three girls. 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. My wife don't know anything about it. The panels review was interrupted several times over the last two years, however, and continues today. I recently finished The Lost City of Z, David Granns account of the British explorer Percy Fawcetts final journey in the Amazon basin, where Fawcett disappeared in 1925. That is it.". ", Earl Behringer Executed 6/11/97"Its a good day to die. Resources in the case are below, along with background on the role of unvalidated forensics in wrongful convictions. Does knowing the full scope of his final statement change the way you feel about Willingham? Testimony from an informer and the fire investigators convicted him, with the prison informant saying Willingham confessed that he'd started the fire to hide the evidence that his daughters had been abused. In 2009, she unleashed a startling accusation that Willingham confessed the crime to her when she visited him on death row. After all, she also agreed to take to the stands to state the same during his trial. I stole two lives and I know it was precious to ya'll. I gotta go, road dog. (Dont worry, Brad Pitts making it into a movie.) The Case Of 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. I'm real sorry for it. Is Granns report the truth? 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. How 'deluded' Putin thought Ukraine invasion would break up Nato & have West bowing down to Russia, leaked docs show, Man had sex with his wife on bollard after fuming neighbour placed it in cul-de-sac in protest during parking row, 'Bubbly' nightclub worker, 31, killed after her Audi crashed into a bridge on her way home from work, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Gracie was beautiful and Tiffany was beautiful. 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 . Willingham's supposed confession to his ex-wife on death row (which, it seems, never happened, but more on that in a minute.) To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. You can learn more about how we consider cases here. I want to remember Patsy Buntion, Gladys and a lot more friends.I want to thank the prosecutor in my case; it took courage for him to do what he did but he did what he did because he believed in the judicial system.Im not ready to go, but I have no choice; I sent several letters to my family; theyll be very moving when you get them. Excerpt follows. I love you all and I will see you on the other side. of Criminal Justice. The Texas parole board checks with victims' families, the prosecutor and other people involved in the original murder case before deciding whether to recommend that the governor issue a pardon. Perhaps most notably, Hurst was able to explain the presence of lighter fluid at the scene: a charcoal grill which had been used . I hope God will give you peace with this.Baby, I love you. Press "Enter" or click on the arrow to show results. I miss them so much.". Michelle Lyons, who worked as a journalist for The Huntsville Item between the years of 2000 and 2012, recently recalled some of the prisoners final words - admitting that some she will never forget. An investigative report in the September 7, 2009, issue of the New Yorker deconstructs every facet of the states case against Willingham. Some say Cameron Todd Willingham was wrongfully convicted, and the court put an innocent man to death. Oh Jesus, Lord God, take me home. 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. I would first of all like to express my sincere gratitude to innocence project org for the noble work youre doing in fighting for justice for those that have been treated unfairly in the eyes of the law. He then reportedly looked right at his victims' family and told them: "Be careful when you drive home. SCOTT HONEA Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Top: The aftermath of a . 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. I hope you f***ing rot, c***. 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'. Meticulously researched, staunchly reported and beautifully written, it covers the history of Londons Royal Geographic Society, to which Percy belonged, and the 300-year quest for the mythical golden city, El Dorado, as well as the rubber trade and its effect on indigenous tribes who shoot six-foot arrows from seven-foot bows. And piranha, and electric eels and anacondas and poisonous insects that attack your eyes and maggots that fester under your skin and toothpick-sized parasite catfish that swim up your penis through your urethra, lodge themselves there with sharp spines, and kill you. I can't imagine losing two children. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has kept a record of these statements since 1982, when the state resumed the use of the death penalty. Its basically like reading a 300-page Indiana Jones movie that teaches you important and incredible things about the world. I love you Gabby. The family of Cameron "Todd" Willingham, unjustly executed in 2004, urge to test DNA in Sedley Alley's casewhich was never done before Alley was executed in 2006. Here is what they sent him: Yeah. In 2008, the Texas Forensic Science Commission agreed to investigate the case. I miss them so much.. I gotta go, road dog. Stacy Kuykendall, his then-wife, played a . Anthony Graves don't even know anything about it. It seems like Cameron admitted to the couples tumultuous past first, acknowledging that their relationship was affected by their troubled backgrounds. On October 28, 2011, the commission issued the report addendum. Investigation. Granns story establishes that, after years of supporting Willingham as he waited on death row, Stacy had lost her faith. That is it. 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. Details of the case. "They don't allow that usually. I hope that you can forgive me. I have asked myself, why did he get involved with drugs? "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Todd had minor burns but no major injury. 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. While we can not be sure about where Stacy currently resides, you can find her on her social media accounts, which she uses as a platform to ensure that no one will ever forget her late daughters. 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. Standing in the way of a pardon for a Texas man that his family considers was wrongly convicted and executed is his ex-wife. 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.". In 2004, Cameron Todd Willingham was executed afters years of trying to appeal his conviction, maintaining his innocence until the end. To the West Family, I would just like to apologize for your loss. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. "(In) the infamous words of my famous, legendary brother Nat Turner y'all kiss my black a**. Background on the cases of 17 people exonerated through DNA testing after spending years on death row. 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 . 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. Willingham was executed by lethal injection in Huntsville on February 17, 2004. "Shortly before his execution, I spoke to Todd about the murders and he admitted his guilt to me.". Michelle's book Death Row: The Final Minutes, is available now. Having your wife, whod fought in your corner for so long, change her mind and convict you along with the powers-that-be-well, thats an experience that could easily bring out such a statement right before one is executed. Cameron Todd Willingham (January 9, 1968 - February 17, 2004) was an American man who was convicted and executed by lethal injection for the murder of his three young children by arson in Corsicana, Texas, on December 23, 1991. His other relatives are fighting to clear his name. For years, Stacy Kuykendall advocated for Cameron Todd Willingham, stating repeatedly that she believed he didn't deliberately start the house fire that killed their three daughters in 1991. Cameron Todd Willingham was convicted of murdering his three children in 1991. Michelle Lyons, who worked as a journalist for The Huntsville Item between the years of 2000 and 2012, recently recalled some of the prisoners final words - admitting that some she will never forget. The date is December 23, 1991, and 23-year-old Cameron Todd Willingham has fallen asleep while caring for his three young daughters, two-year-old Amber Louise Kuykendall and one-year-old twins . Cameron Todd Willingham had tater tots, onion rings, pie, enchiladas, and ribs. A Troubled Young Man | "Death by Fire". "I spent years not knowing, but Todd gave me that. 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. 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. I am really so sorry about it, I really am. who was convicted of his wife's murder in 1987 and spent nearly 25 years in prison before DNA testing led to his exoneration in 2011, appealed . The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man-convicted of a crime I did not commit. I am so sorry for what all of you had to go through. The chilling memoirs, which she recently penned in her book Death Row: The Final Minutes, has now been fully . Willingham, 23, the children's father, and the only . His wife, 22-year old Stacy Willingham, had gone out early that morning to do some last-minute Christmas shopping. Please don't ever forget me. 1584 Words | 7 Pages. As previously revealed by The Sun, Lyons says this can sometimes be an arduous process as some refuse to die quietly. Part of HuffPost Crime. The late Texas native was arrested, tried, convicted, and executed for the murders of his three toddler daughters by arson in their family home on December 23, 1991. Well, Grann doesnt actually say those words are the very last, but that is certainly the picture the reader gets. Take care of my daughters, Kaneisha and Ieisha. 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. A WOMAN who witnessed almost 300 people be put to death has revealed that one inmate told the victims family I hope you die.. I grew up in New Jersey. Cameron Todd Willingham's stepmother and cousin, . She stood by that claim in her statement to HuffPost, "I did not want to believe that he could kill our children either, but he did," she said. Momma, I will always love you. Willingham was executed in 2004. "His wife was watching from the witness room and I was told later by the chaplaincy that she had come to witness not on his behalf but as one of the victims, she added. Last words: "The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man convicted of a crime I did not commit. 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. Documents obtained by the Innocence Project show that state officials received that report but apparently did not act on it. Its basically like reading a 300-page Indiana Jones movie that teaches you important and incredible things about the world. "He directed so much vitriol towards her that the warden actually started the execution as he was talking to make him stop," Lyons said. Trial by Fire: Directed by Edward Zwick. To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders, Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications, .css-o3g03s{color:black;}Published9:29,23 August 2021 BST| Last updated11:26,07 April 2022 BST. 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 .