"The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. That process could take months. Exact date yellow weather warning for snow and ice forecast to hit UK - will you be affected? He reasserts his innocence, and his very last words are religious. Documents obtained by the Innocence Project show that state officials received that report but apparently did not act on it. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from the Innocence Project: Take action: But others she admits are very hard to forget as she recalled the horrific final words of one inmate. At Willinghams 1992 trial, prosecutors claimed he intentionally set fire to his home in order to kill his own children. "They don't allow that usually. 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. And on October 15, the Texas Forensic Science Commission discussed the case in depth at its regular meeting. I have been persecuted for twelve years for something I did not do. A leading arson expert in 2004, however, concluded in a report that the testimony from fire investigators used against Willingham was no longer scientifically valid. Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. At the trial, the prosecutor asserted that Willingham wanted to . All of you, all of you have truly been the best. Continue to pray for me, I am fine. 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. And ah, I believe I'm going home. However, she later worked as an official spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice where she witnessed the final few hours of the inmates life. ", Raymond Kinnamon Executed 12/11/94"guys like them got tied up in something like this. ", James Moreland Executed 1/27/00"Dad, I love you both. "I spent years not knowing, but Todd gave me that. That isit. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue across the country are declining, The Texas Tribune remains committed to sustaining our mission: creating a more engaged and informed Texas with every story we cover, every event we convene and every newsletter we send. Since the pair had been together for about four years and had tied the knot just months before, when Stacy told officers that Cameron would never hurt their children and that they hadnt been fighting, she wasnt challenged. of Criminal Justice. Click on the document to see photos of the prisoner and a description of the crime. 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. 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. 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 . Abul, behold your son, and Anitra, behold your mother. His hopes and dreams became a fantasy. Willingham, who was asleep when the fire started, survived. Perhaps most notably, Hurst was able to explain the presence of lighter fluid at the scene: a charcoal grill which had been used . On Dec. 23, 1991, a fire consumed the Willingham home, killing Amber, 2, and twins Karmon and Kameron, 1. 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. Willingham was executed in February 2004 proclaiming his innocence and hoping aloud that his wife would "rot in . I love all of you very much. 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. "(In) the infamous words of my famous, legendary brother Nat Turner y'all kiss my black a**. "Mothers love their children and always will, no matter what happens in their lives. Well, Grann doesnt actually say those words are the very last, but that is certainly the picture the reader gets. 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. In the days following the devastation, a full investigation would take place. 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 . The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man-convicted of a crime I did not commit. Todd granted the inspectors permission to search the property. Fade to black. Willingham claimed he was awoken by Ambers cries for her Dad but that the blaze was too intense and he had to flee after initially trying to save his daughters, The Daily Star reported. I have been persecuted for 12 years for something I did not do. I love you mom. 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. Take me home Lord. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. I will be waiting for you. 1 On 23 December 1991, Cameron Todd Willingham escaped a house fire only to be arrested for the death of his three daughters. 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. Cameron Todd Willingham's words before his execution. My wife had nothing to do with it. 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'. An investigative report in the September 7, 2009, issue of the New Yorker deconstructs every facet of the states case against Willingham. And the statement as Grann reports it is consistent with what we might expect from a person who actually was innocent. "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. Stacy Kuykendall, his then-wife, played a . Who called the fire department? He said, The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man convicted of a crime I did not commit. So now, lets find out where she is, shall we? For years, even after they divorced, Stacy Kuykendall advocated for Cameron and his innocence. The case of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was executed in Texas in 2004 and whom I wrote about for The New Yorker last month, has taken another strange twist. Take care. I grew up in New Jersey. 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. 2023 Innocence Project. Gov. "You b****. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. 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. The most unfortunate part is that the film poorly serves a real-life miscarriage of justice, the 2004 execution in Texas of Cameron Todd Willingham (O'Connell) for the arson murder of his three . 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. 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. ", Richard J. Wilkerson Executed 8/31/93"Seeing Through the Eyes of a Death Row Inmate"Sometime I wonder why, why he? 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 . "I read that Todds stepmom and cousin are asking the governor for a pardon. Stacy Kuykendall prefers to remain out of the spotlight. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. I have no revenge because hate wont solve anything. I have been persecuted for twelve years for something I did not do. He could never explain why he hung around with thugs? I regret it because now I have to face the lethal injection while doing death row time. 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. After all, she also agreed to take to the stands to state the same during his trial. 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 . I love you all, take care. ', "It was just such a crazy contrast to see in the space of 30 minutes, and it stuck with me.. "He directed so much vitriol towards her that the warden actually started the execution as he was talking to make him stop.". Sometimes officers were forced to gas them out of cells, strap up their heads and even give chase across prison grounds. I miss them so much.. 1 year old twins: Kameron, Karmon, and two year old: Amber. 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 . Lyon recalled that warden signalled for the execution to begin while he continued hurling insults at her until he finally became silent. It turned out the forensic evidence was completely bogus, but he was executed anyway. "He directed so much vitriol towards her that the warden actually started the execution as he was talking to make him stop," Lyons said. The panel's review was interrupted several times over the last two years, however, and continues today. Thank you for visiting us. (Dont worry, Brad Pitts making it into a movie.) Feb. 5, 20117 PM Central. I miss them so much.". Unaware of Hursts report, she had determined that Willingham was guilty. I want to say goodbye again to my boys. Read more about the TFSC and download key documents relating to the panel here. "His wife was watching from the witness room and I was . Did it really make him feel like a king Did he actually think he was capable of getting away with anything? Anthony Graves don't even know anything about it. Dal momento che Willingham's Nell'esecuzione del 2004 , sono sorte importanti polemiche sulla legittimit del verdetto di colpevolezza e sull'interpretazione . Fight for the good. Thanks for coming Jack. Willingham, who said he was home napping at the time . Michelle said: "Most of them don't talk for very long - there was one execution that I witnessed [the 2000 execution of Gary Graham], who spoke for over 20 minutes. His body was cremated and his ashes secretly spread on his children's graves by his parents. 1 of 5 Cameron Todd Willingham waits for guards to take him back to his cell on death row days before his execution on Feb. 17, 2004. I love my parents. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. From Gods dust I came and to dust I will return-so the earth shall become my throne. I love you Gabby. 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. S2010 E14 - 1m 42s. He survived, as did his wife, who wasn't in the house at . ", I saved myself from Royal life, Harry says & insists 'sharing's an act of service', Love Island's Olivia Hawkins breaks silence as she returns to the UK, Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, Coronation Street fans horrified as Amy Barlow is raped in disturbing scenes, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Willingham's actual final words were a venom-filled curse at his ex-wife as he attempted an obscene gesture, Cook reported. The panels review was interrupted several times over the last two years, however, and continues today. Ah, you have been a blessing to me and I love you all and one day I will see y'all, so I hope y'all find y'all peace, comfort, and strength in Christ Jesus alone, because that's where it's at. Stacy was unharmed as she was out Christmas shopping at the time. A letter to the editor revealed that there was more to his last words than that, however. Harold, I love you. 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. Stacy, who had for so long expressed belief in Willinghams innocence, had recently taken her first look at the original court records and arson findings. That's the story of my whole life, that's what alcohol will do for you. While waiting for permission to finish the case from the Third Court of Appeals, Baird put together the document that "orders the exoneration of Cameron Todd Willingham for murdering his three daughters," because of "overwhelming, credible and reliable evidence" presented during a one-day hearing in Austin in October 2010. Excerpt follows. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. She said the final words of Cameron Willingham, who killed his three daughters, were some of the worst she heard "His last statement was the worst I had ever seen," she told The Mirror. As incomprehensible as it seems, Scheidegger wrote, we know that some fathers do kill their young children, and anger at the mother is one common reason.. 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 . Before this ID episode, Stacy last gave a public statement to The Huffington Post in 2012, when Camerons family was fighting to earn him an acquittal. Is Granns report the truth? But she shifted her outlook shortly before his 2004 execution, proclaiming that she now found him guilty of deliberately setting fire to their house. And it is a shame that it had to come to this. 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. Interesting and key material from the Cameron Todd Willingham case, with annotated highlights Willingham's Writings and a Drawing "You asked me what it was that kept me going, then answered the . I'm real sorry for it. He was a former hitman who, despite not appearing a particularly sympathetic character, had become someone she had grown to like. . However, she later worked as an official spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice where she witnessed the final few hours of the inmates life. His other relatives are fighting to clear his name. He was charged and convicted of capital murder and arson, and sentenced to death. We both knew he had no future left! The Innocence Project is affiliated with Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University. From Gods dust I came and to dust I will return-so the earth shall become my throne. "His last statement was the worst I had ever seen, she told The Mirror. [Remaining portion of statement omitted due to profanity.]. I, I never was right after that incident happened. 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. I was raised by the California Youth Authority, I can't really pin point where it started, what happened, but really believe that's just the bottom line, what happened to me was in California. Days before the expert was set to testify, however, Gov. (That blog is a project of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, which describes itself as the only public interest law foundation in the nation working full time to strengthen law enforcements ability to assure that crime does not pay. Its advisers include Edwin Meese III, who is also associated with the Heritage Foundation.). "They pulled guns out . The tragic and controversial story of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was sentenced to death in Texas for killing his three children even after scientific evidence and expert testimony bolstered his claims of innocence. Theres nothing left but the memory of those who lay dead. Willingham said he was asleep in the home when the fire started and always maintained his innocence. examination of the evidence persuaded her. The former journalist said: "You do have some that would just do outlandish stuff. Is Granns report the truth? 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. Some may choose to apologise for their crimes, others take their own route, she also explained. Inside were three children: one-year-old twins named Karmon and Kameron, and Amber, a 2 year old. Unaware of Hursts report, she had determined that Willingham was guilty. Website by MADEO. As previously revealed by The Sun, Lyons says this can sometimes be an arduous process as some refuse to die quietly. Here is what they sent him: Yeah. That is it.". Is it the whole truth? (Yes, they couldnt resist bringing in Clintonesque.). My wife don't 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. "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. Even after their divorce, she continued to proclaim Willingham's innocence, as in a 1999 recorded interview with a teacher researching the case. Here are five crucial facts about the case. My grandmother is the pillar of the community. SCOTT HONEA Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Top: The aftermath of a . You had some lovely girls and I am sorry. Ardmore, Oklahoma (CNN) Cameron Todd Willingham's family here . He reasserts his innocence, and his very last words are religious. Handout. At the state prison in Huntsville that housed the execution chamber, Lyons saw the harrowing arbitration of justice as hundreds of criminals were put to death by lethal injection. The observations of a neighbor who was at the scene, but for . Warden Baggett, thank all of you so much. A WOMAN who witnessed almost 300 people be put to death has revealed that one inmate told the victims family I hope you die.. Does knowing the full scope of his final statement change the way you feel about Willingham? Its the best book I read this year. 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. I deserve what I am getting. Its the best book I read this year. Cameron Todd Willingham And The Pentagram Arson via Texas Dept. Willingham, a husband and father of three girls managed to escape the house but his daughters all died. I have been persecuted for 12 years for something I did not do. Dad loves you. Macher, Dusty Rick Perry turned down an eleventh-hour request to stop the execution. Saying that Willingham is guilty is not new for Kuykendall, but it's a 180-degree change from the early years of the case. On October 29, 1992, he was sentenced to death. 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 love you all and I will see you on the other side. Below are some final statements of convicted murderers. Before prison officials administer the lethal cocktail of drugs used to carry out executions, the condemned may say their final piece. Granns story establishes that, after years of supporting Willingham as he waited on death row, Stacy had lost herfaith. You don't have to. Stacy, who had for so long expressed belief in Willinghams innocence, had recently taken her first look at the original court records and arson findings. (Download the full trial transcripts here.). The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man convicted of a crime I did not commit. David Grann, a staff writer at The New Yorker, has presented . Our system is set in place to protect the people, and acts as a model to prosecute the evil in society. 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. Why did he go out into the world to see? Why was the prosecutor and governor not charged with manslaughter? Then, turning to his wife, who was behind a screen just a few metres away, he said: "I hope you rot in hell, b****. 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. 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. The opinion prohibits the commission from investigating specific items of evidence that were tested or offered into evidence prior to September 1, 2005. There is a central room and two witnesss rooms divided by a wall, ensuring the two groups never meet. Details of the case. In 2009, Stacy even went as far as to claim that during one of her final visits to Cameron while he was on death row, he confessed to the crime by stating that it was his response to her divorce threat from the night before. I confess my sins. "Eugenia loved Todd, and I understand why she does not want to face the facts of what he did to our girls," Kuykendall said. Faulty investigative techniques, redundant fire science, and swinging witness testimonies resulted in his . Image Credit: Stacy Kuykendall / Facebook. To the West Family, I would just like to apologize for your loss. 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. 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. He was confessed, he was one of the guilty ones. . By an 11-to-1 vote, a Navarro County jury rejected claims by the State Bar of Texas that Jackson made false statements . 2. ", Angel Maturino Resendiz Executed 6/27/06"Yes sir. I hope you rot in hell, bitch; I hope you fucking rot in hell, bitch. 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 incourt. Oh Jesus, Lord God, take me home. 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. ", Irineo Montoya Executed 6/18/97"Goodbye. I was in their reformatory schools and penitentiary, but ah, they create monsters in there. In 2009, she unleashed a startling accusation that Willingham confessed the crime to her when she visited him on death row. 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. 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.