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Texas Death Row: Executions in the Modern Era
A chilling catalog of the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for their crimes
The death penalty is one of the most hotly contested and longest-standing issues in American politics, and no place is more symbolic of that debate than Texas. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1977, Texas has put more than 390 prisoners to death, far more than any other state. Texas Death Row puts faces to those condemned men and women, with stark details on their crimes, sentencing, last meals, and last words. Definitive and objective, Texas Death Row will provide ample fuel for readers on both sides of the death penalty debate.
The death penalty is one of the most hotly contested and longest-standing issues in American politics, and no place is more symbolic of that debate than Texas. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1977, Texas has put more than 390 prisoners to death, far more than any other state. Texas Death Row puts faces to those condemned men and women, with stark details on their crimes, sentencing, last meals, and last words. Definitive and objective, Texas Death Row will provide ample fuel for readers on both sides of the death penalty debate.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2006
20 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Bill Crawford
49 books8 followersBill Crawford is a writer in Austin with an interest in Texas history. His previous books include Border Radio: Quacks, Yodelers, Pitchmen, Psychics, and Other Amazing Broadcasters of the American Airwaves (cowritten with Gene Fowler) and Stevie Ray Vaughan: Caught in the Crossfire (cowritten with Joe Nick Patoski).
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 6, 2018
Don't mess with Texas
No plot, no surprises, no suspense; just interesting information.
It is no surprise that Death Row inmates are opposed to the death penalty. They believe they should be forgiven for their little mistake. Bleeding hearts believe we should warehouse these people, but they don't offer any suggestions on how to do it.
To me, it's a matter of law. Kill a person during the commission of another crime (kidnapping, rape, robbery) = death penalty. Kill a law enforcement person = death penalty. What's so hard to understand?
God told Adam and Eve, eat from any tree in the Garden except that one. If you eat from that one, no second chances, you will die. So where did they go? To the forbidden tree. People haven't changed that much.
16
No plot, no surprises, no suspense; just interesting information.
It is no surprise that Death Row inmates are opposed to the death penalty. They believe they should be forgiven for their little mistake. Bleeding hearts believe we should warehouse these people, but they don't offer any suggestions on how to do it.
To me, it's a matter of law. Kill a person during the commission of another crime (kidnapping, rape, robbery) = death penalty. Kill a law enforcement person = death penalty. What's so hard to understand?
God told Adam and Eve, eat from any tree in the Garden except that one. If you eat from that one, no second chances, you will die. So where did they go? To the forbidden tree. People haven't changed that much.
16
December 12, 2024
Very interesting read ,also included several women!
April 26, 2008
Very interesting read covering the crimes committed, last words, meals and I find it very interesting how many of these career criminals actually find, or profess to have found, God in their last days. I'm very certain that when it would come time for me to make the long walk, I'd be finding peace in God as well.
April 9, 2008
I am fascinated by this book. The way it is presented, with unembellished stats, makes it creepier and cooler. There isn't any commentary or judgement. Just what they did, when they were executed, and what they ate.
April 3, 2012
catalogue of last words and last meals. best bathroom reader of all time.
May 7, 2013
I bought this a while ago, being fascinated with Law and the American Justice System as well as having a morbid curiosity, I picked this up in Smiths.
It was extremely interesting, thought I was no doubt disgusted at many of the stories. I was surprised at some of the stories and some really blew me away in absolute horror at what human beings are capable of.
I wouldn't read it whilst walking alone in the dark, bad bad move, I was bad enough in broad day light in my back yard. Word of warning folks.
A terrible, interesting read for those who enjoy reading about Death Row and what it encompasses.
Very short review but this book wasn't much of a story.
It was extremely interesting, thought I was no doubt disgusted at many of the stories. I was surprised at some of the stories and some really blew me away in absolute horror at what human beings are capable of.
I wouldn't read it whilst walking alone in the dark, bad bad move, I was bad enough in broad day light in my back yard. Word of warning folks.
A terrible, interesting read for those who enjoy reading about Death Row and what it encompasses.
Very short review but this book wasn't much of a story.
November 22, 2017
I found this a very interesting read, as someone who has a morbid curiosity. I was at all times disgusted by the crimes these individuals had committed and at times it blew me away at the horror at some of the crimes human beings are capable of committing against one another for very small reasons at times. I am very surprised how many of the individuals actually find or profess to find a God in their years being in prison.
At times I found the length of this book quite tedious and repetitive, but the information given is very precise without any unnecessary added information to take away from the point of the book.
July 23, 2011
This was pretty disturbing even just having it sat on my coffee table unnerved me! I tried dipping into it, had to stop and then would try again - mainly out of sheer morbid fascination, which is the real reason most people would read this I'm sure. The book was lent to me by someone, and needless to say I very quickly gave it back!
February 17, 2009
I found this book really interesting and even my boyfriend who isnt a major book reader enjoyed it, however my boyfriend said that reading the list of last meals made him hungry
June 9, 2024
I've had this sitting on my bookshelves since I was in my late teens, and I'd drop into it every now and then. Finally decided to read it cover to cover, and it's definitely an interesting experience.
The book consists of the basic information behind every prisoner executed by the state of Texas from the time the death penalty was reinstated in 1977 up until the time of the book's publishing. Every entry follows the same format: the prisoner's mugshots, their basic biographical information, the details of their crimes, the length of time they spent on Death Row, their last meal request, and their last statement. The book is also prefaced by some basic facts and history regarding the death penalty, and some reference graphs detailing data such as number of executions per year, racial demographics, length of time on Death Row, and so on. The entire book is completely factual, sticking only to the data and information on the record, and is not an overt argument either for or against the death penalty.
What looks to be nothing more than simple sketched facts quickly becomes an interesting journey into the morality of the death penalty. For the record, I am completely against the death penalty – I do not think any state should have the right over life and death. But reading through this book, it's easy to see how the question of the death penalty can swing back and forth even for somebody who feels pretty solid in their opinion. There were some crimes detailed in this book that made me, however briefly, feel like the offender shouldn't be allowed to live after doing such a thing. But there were also crimes where I could not believe death was even remotely appropriate as a punishment. And these extremes are uncommon – most of the crimes in this book are a litany of robberies, drug feuds, domestic arguments, and crimes of passion. Some of the executed prisoners come across in their last statements as defiant and unapologetic; others confess to their crimes and beg for forgiveness. Many go to their deaths proclaiming their innocence, some loudly and angrily, others quietly and full of resignation. And what's most haunting about these is that, statistically, some of them were likely telling the truth.
On the surface this book seems like nothing but trivia, but the longer I read it the more I realised it is what you bring to it. When I was dipping into random pages, reading an entry here and there, it was just that – trivia, interesting and slightly voyeuristic. But once I sat down and actually read the whole book in larger chunks of time, it became an argument the reader must have with themselves. Some of us on the extreme ends of the scale – for or against – might come away feeling stronger in our opinions, as I ended up doing. But for those on the fence, I would be curious to see their feelings coming out of it. There is something about this litany of death that makes for uncomfortable reading, a rising tide that eventually becomes just as uncomfortable as the details of the crimes themselves. For a book that does not set out to be an argument, it makes a very good one.
The book consists of the basic information behind every prisoner executed by the state of Texas from the time the death penalty was reinstated in 1977 up until the time of the book's publishing. Every entry follows the same format: the prisoner's mugshots, their basic biographical information, the details of their crimes, the length of time they spent on Death Row, their last meal request, and their last statement. The book is also prefaced by some basic facts and history regarding the death penalty, and some reference graphs detailing data such as number of executions per year, racial demographics, length of time on Death Row, and so on. The entire book is completely factual, sticking only to the data and information on the record, and is not an overt argument either for or against the death penalty.
What looks to be nothing more than simple sketched facts quickly becomes an interesting journey into the morality of the death penalty. For the record, I am completely against the death penalty – I do not think any state should have the right over life and death. But reading through this book, it's easy to see how the question of the death penalty can swing back and forth even for somebody who feels pretty solid in their opinion. There were some crimes detailed in this book that made me, however briefly, feel like the offender shouldn't be allowed to live after doing such a thing. But there were also crimes where I could not believe death was even remotely appropriate as a punishment. And these extremes are uncommon – most of the crimes in this book are a litany of robberies, drug feuds, domestic arguments, and crimes of passion. Some of the executed prisoners come across in their last statements as defiant and unapologetic; others confess to their crimes and beg for forgiveness. Many go to their deaths proclaiming their innocence, some loudly and angrily, others quietly and full of resignation. And what's most haunting about these is that, statistically, some of them were likely telling the truth.
On the surface this book seems like nothing but trivia, but the longer I read it the more I realised it is what you bring to it. When I was dipping into random pages, reading an entry here and there, it was just that – trivia, interesting and slightly voyeuristic. But once I sat down and actually read the whole book in larger chunks of time, it became an argument the reader must have with themselves. Some of us on the extreme ends of the scale – for or against – might come away feeling stronger in our opinions, as I ended up doing. But for those on the fence, I would be curious to see their feelings coming out of it. There is something about this litany of death that makes for uncomfortable reading, a rising tide that eventually becomes just as uncomfortable as the details of the crimes themselves. For a book that does not set out to be an argument, it makes a very good one.
August 21, 2019
certainly one of the hardest books I've struggled through. one by one they gradually get at you and make you question everything:
- demographic: most were male, without much education, working manual jobs.
- the victims: if they are female, 90% were raped at some point. I just fucking hate the animal in people.
- last meal: some declined, some took it lightly, but gosh several people gorged down enough food for a village. strong stomach, I suppose?
- last word: surprisingly only a few admitted their crimes, while the majority were super sure about meeting Christ and being cleansed by the hand of God, they ask for forgiveness, or even give out forgiveness. I just don't know, man. I've always thought there's something wrong with religions.
- why killing those people? but if not, then what's the alternative?
I can't say I thoroughly enjoyed this book (deaths and raping and shooting tend to bog down the moods don't they?). but this is such a moving compilation, no matter what page I turn. hence 4 stars.
- demographic: most were male, without much education, working manual jobs.
- the victims: if they are female, 90% were raped at some point. I just fucking hate the animal in people.
- last meal: some declined, some took it lightly, but gosh several people gorged down enough food for a village. strong stomach, I suppose?
- last word: surprisingly only a few admitted their crimes, while the majority were super sure about meeting Christ and being cleansed by the hand of God, they ask for forgiveness, or even give out forgiveness. I just don't know, man. I've always thought there's something wrong with religions.
- why killing those people? but if not, then what's the alternative?
I can't say I thoroughly enjoyed this book (deaths and raping and shooting tend to bog down the moods don't they?). but this is such a moving compilation, no matter what page I turn. hence 4 stars.
February 2, 2020
This book was a really good and objective window into the actual execution at death row. It’s a collection of profiles on various convicted criminals, their crimes, when they committed it, how long they were on death row, and how old they were. It also gives their last words.
It does not try to change your mind on whether or not death row should continue or be changed, but allows you to take in the information for yourself and make your own decision.
I’d also really recommend this book as a jumping off point for research on the actual people being executed. More research would have to be done for any type of paper but it’s a really good place to look if you’re looking for a particular type of person to write on.
It does not try to change your mind on whether or not death row should continue or be changed, but allows you to take in the information for yourself and make your own decision.
I’d also really recommend this book as a jumping off point for research on the actual people being executed. More research would have to be done for any type of paper but it’s a really good place to look if you’re looking for a particular type of person to write on.
April 19, 2020
Sadly never finished this book as I had borrowed it. But think it deserves a semi review and so it is off my list.
This is a great reference book giving you pages of inmates over several decades that served time on death row and why.
Also it adds inmost cases their chosen last meals and last words if any.
So if you are looking for something macabre and true but not too in depth on each case then this is for you.
This is a great reference book giving you pages of inmates over several decades that served time on death row and why.
Also it adds inmost cases their chosen last meals and last words if any.
So if you are looking for something macabre and true but not too in depth on each case then this is for you.
July 18, 2019
One of my all time favourite true crime books. Such a fascinating book where each criminal has their own page which shows their mugshot & everything else about them from age of execution, previous employment, what their crime was in detail & their final meal & what their final words if any were. I’m reading it again now for probably the 12th time!
March 31, 2023
A harrowing and horrible little book that's presented well. A case-by-case record of those who received the death penalty in Texas, their crimes, their last meals and their final words. It's hard-going at times, but interesting too. Depending on your interest in true crime, this is a worthwhile read.
October 22, 2019
Love it...
May 4, 2023
Harrowing read but interesting. I wonder how different this would be if it covered another part of the world?
November 20, 2024
Very good
November 4, 2025
Succinct and brilliant
July 6, 2014
WOW what a weird book. It's weird what it's about, it's weird that someone wrote a book on the subject and it's weird that I read it.
I found the lists of last requests to be very very sad. They scream about lives of no eduction, deprivation, discrimination, protest and courage.
That the jails would restrict what can be asked for but not the quantities seems petty and mean.
I found the lists of last requests to be very very sad. They scream about lives of no eduction, deprivation, discrimination, protest and courage.
That the jails would restrict what can be asked for but not the quantities seems petty and mean.
July 13, 2016
I found this quite fascinating, but at times frustratingly short on details. It was quite tedious & lengthy at times, so perhaps more detail wasn't really practical....but it would've been handy to know who an inmate was referring to in their last statements and such.
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July 27, 2011Very creepy...
August 2, 2011
Fascinating book. It's shocking some of these crimes, and I can't help but think that many of these people are actually innocent. Good read though, and really easy to read too.
February 2, 2015
Book is a great time waster with a ton of information. The 1page summaries give you all the needed information. I found some of the last meals very interesting
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews