Witness To an Execution: The Soundtrack of Death
In 2001, Oklahoma condemned murderer Alvie "Jim" Hale's last words were:
"I want to say goodbye to my family and friends. Thanks for being there and supporting me," he said. "Watch what you see here. Remember it, and go tell somebody."
In anticipation of the imminent execution of 24 year old Elijah Page who has ended his appeals and now prepares for death, reporter Jeff Martin of the Argus Leader today remembers an earlier execution he witnessed in Oklahoma, that of Alvie "Jim" Hale in 2001. It's a vivid recollection. The part about the "soundtrack of death" is chilling. But not as much as this:
Shortly after 9 p.m., a set of mini-blinds opens on a large window. We can see Hale, 53, in a hospital gown only a few feet in front of us. He is strapped to a gurney, his arms and legs shackled. Needles are already in place, one in each arm, and both are connected to tubes. He speaks for about a minute and a half. The microphone fails to pick up most of what he says.
"Let the execution begin," the warden calls out. Then the drugs start to flow. Death's final grip is evident as Hale's face bulges. His chest collapses when a final breath leaves his body. The microphone that didn't work during Hale's last words now picks up the sound of air rushing from his lungs.
A doctor checks him. Then a voice from the chamber makes it official: "Time of death, 9:24 p.m." The mini-blinds close.
Go tell somebody. It never ceases to amaze me that so many of those who profess to "respect life" for the unborn won't apply the same principle across the board to the living.
Here's more about Elijah Page. [hat tip to Rev. Mr. George W. Brooks J.D.]
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