Perusing old files, we discovered this shocking story.
"In 1890, William Kemmler, who murdered his wife with an ax the year before, was strapped into the chair at Auburn State prison and 1,500 volts surged through his body for 17 seconds. He was pronounced dead, but as the warden began to unstrap Kemmler, his body moved.
"A second jolt -- this one lasting 70 seconds -- was ordered, causing Kemmler's blood vessels to burst and flames to shoot from his back." (Wireless Flash)
One of 20 witnesses fainted.
This was the first execution in New York State by electric chair. The chair was invented by employees of Thomas Edison. A business competitor, George Westinghouse, tried to prevent the execution by arguing "cruel and inhuman" punishment at the Supreme Court. After failing to prevent the execution, Westinghouse later commented: "They would have done a better job with an ax."
Readers can obtain more details at http://law.jrank.org/pages/12374/Kemmler-William.html.
No comments:
Post a Comment