Despite expert testimony against the arson, and the jailbird informer's retracted confession, he was still sentenced to die. For years, even after they divorced, Stacy Kuykendall advocated for Cameron and his innocence. by Brandi Grissom Cameron Todd Willingham's stepmother and cousin, . Gracie was beautiful and Tiffany was beautiful. I hope you will accept my apology, even though its too late. Resources in the case are below, along with background on the role of unvalidated forensics in wrongful convictions. The panel's review was interrupted several times over the last two years, however, and continues today. In 2004, Cameron Todd Willingham was executed afters years of trying to appeal his conviction, maintaining his innocence until the end. Might Willingham have been guilty after all? Fade to black. However, the final words that she describes as the 'worst' are those of a convicted child killer who used his final moments to directed a chilling tirade towards his ex-wife and the mother of the three daughters he murdered. Todd granted the inspectors permission to search the property. "It . I have been persecuted for twelve years for something I did not do. He survived, as did his wife, who wasn't in the house at . Warden. I love all of you very much. Tell my kids I love them. A letter to the editor revealed that there was more to his last words than that, however. His wife, 22-year old Stacy Willingham, had gone out early that morning to do some last-minute Christmas shopping. ", 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.. Days before the expert was set to testify, however, Gov. Michelle's book Death Row: The Final Minutes, is available now. 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 . 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 . The 16,000-word article by David Grann shows that all of the evidence used against Willingham was invalid, including the forensic analysis, the informants testimony, other witness testimony and additional circumstantial evidence. I love you Gabby." Feb. 5, 20117 PM Central. Read more on the case below, along with news coverage and key documents. I will wait for you. And although Stacy did tell investigators about the assault, she always said that her then-husband wasnt capable of hurting their children because she knew him better than anyone else. I was in their reformatory schools and penitentiary, but ah, they create monsters in there. It ends like this: Just before Willingham received the lethal injection, he was asked if he had any last words. In 1992, Willingham was convicted of arson-related triple homicide and was executed 12 years later by the death penalty after his three daughters were killed The process usually sees witnesses and the media brought into a small viewing room where the inmate is already strapped to a gurney. Ron, give Peggy a hug for me. 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. But, I hope that you can find your peace and comfort in strength in Christ Jesus alone. ", Raymond Kinnamon Executed 12/11/94"guys like them got tied up in something like this. After a trial of more than two weeks, a Texas jury on Wednesday found that former state prosecutor John Jackson had not committed misconduct in the 1992 death penalty trial of Cameron Todd Willingham. Cameron Todd Willingham, 36, was executed by lethal injection on 17 February 2004 in Huntsville, Texas for the murder of his three children. 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. Cameron Todd Willingham was convicted of murder for killing his three daughters in a late 1991 house fire after a prosecution based almost entirely on a forensic fire analysis performed by an assistant fire chief and a state deputy fire marshal in the days after the blaze. Well, Grann doesnt actually say those words are the very last, but that is certainly the picture the reader gets. With Jack O'Connell, Laura Dern, Emily Meade, Chris Coy. A WOMAN who witnessed almost 300 people be put to death has revealed that one inmate told the victims family I hope you die.. To the West Family, I would just like to apologize for your loss. 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 am going to sleep. He then reportedly looked right at his victims' family and told them: "Be careful when you drive home. 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 Willingham's final words. Innocence Project Co-Director Barry Scheck responded that the the reasoning of the opinion is wrong and contrary to the clear intention of the legislature when it formed the Commission.. Doubts arise about jailhouse informant Johnny Webb in this excerpt from "Death by Fire," FRONTLINE's 2010 investigation of the controversial case of Cameron Todd Willingham - convicted and executed for the arson deaths of his three young children. That is it.". The witness believed the bitch in question was Willinghams ex-wife Stacy, the mother of his daughters. "(In) the infamous words of my famous, legendary brother Nat Turner y'all kiss my black a**. I Killed Dirty John - Season 8, Episode 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. To the end, he denied setting the fire that killed his wife and kids. She also added her experience about a man named Rodolfo Hernandez, that she felt had been treated harshly with his death sentence. Who called the fire department? That process could take months. Granns story establishes that, after years of supporting Willingham as he waited on death row, Stacy had lost herfaith. 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. Click on the document to see photos of the prisoner and a description of the crime. I never knew I would take a life and commit a crime. I'm sorry, and I really mean that, it's not just words. He is fixing to find out some deep things that are real. All right, Warden, let's do it. That is it. All Rights Reserved. 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. Here is what they senthim: Yeah. It seems like Cameron admitted to the couples tumultuous past first, acknowledging that their relationship was affected by their troubled backgrounds. Cameron Todd Willingham was convicted of murdering his three children in 1991. Though she hadn't said this to investigators or during his trial, Kuykendall said she threatened to divorce Willingham the night before the fire. The meeting adjourned without action on the draft addendum, however. Like I said, I am sorry for hurting your family. Macher, Dusty Todd is guilty, the criminal justice system and the courts confirmed his guilt, and he should not be pardoned for his crimes, Stacy said. "His last statement was the worst I had ever seen, she told The Mirror. Apart from a few rare interviews, she doesnt let her past interfere with her day to day life. You've been the best. According to an article by The New Yorker, Cameron was unfaithful, a heavy drinker, and physically assaulted Stacy at times, even while pregnant. "He directed so much vitriol towards her that the warden actually started the execution as he was talking to make him stop," Lyons said. 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. Show us with your support. (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.). Willingham's supposed confession to his ex-wife on death row (which, it seems, never happened, but more on that in a minute.) Through interviews with Willingham's friends and family, FRONTLINE tells the story of a troubled young man with a history of domestic violence who quickly became the prime suspect in his children . In 2009, an arson . 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. He said, the only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man convicted of a crime. I got to go sister, I love you. Before prison officials administer the lethal cocktail of drugs used to carry out executions, the condemned prisoners are offered the chance to say their final piece. Inside were three children: one-year-old twins named Karmon and Kameron, and Amber, a 2 year old. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. She denied him his wish, later telling a reporter, He took my kids away from me.. Here is what they sent him: Yeah. I write for the Awl, and also a book called Public Apology, for Grand Central Publishing. 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. Michelle, who has revealed all in her fascinating memoir Death Row: The Final Minutes, told the Daily Mirror: "His last statement was the worst that I had ever seen. No way you "accidentally" leave a kid in a . Read more about the TFSC and download key documents relating to the panel here. He knew the thought of life wasnt ticking in his head. 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. Fight for the good. Perhaps it goes without saying but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. Along with the Willingham case, the Innocence Project submitted information about another arson case in Texas where identical evidence was used to send another man to death row. Y'all take care and God bless you. His other relatives are fighting to clear his name. Image Credit: Stacy Kuykendall / Facebook. At the trial, the prosecutor asserted that Willingham wanted to . Matthews. Sicha, Michael 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. We both knew he had no future left! Its basically like reading a 300-page Indiana Jones movie that teaches you important and incredible things about the world. And the statement as Grann reports it is consistent with what we might expect from a person who actually was innocent. She explained that on the day of his execution, he thanked her for helping him meet with police officers so he could confess to other crimes he'd committed because he hadnt wanted to die with them on his conscience., News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Their father Cameron Todd Willingham es-caped from the fire, was tried, and eventually executed for their deaths. 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. A woman who witnessed nearly 300 executions in the state of Texas has revealed that she is still haunted by the final words of a man who killed his children in a shocking arson. of Criminal Justice. Cameron Todd Willingham who was born on the 9th of January 1968 passed away on the 17th of February 2004. One-year-old twins Karmon and Kameron, as well as two-year-old Amber, were killed in the blaze. "I read that Todds stepmom and cousin are asking the governor for a pardon. 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 . He claimed he was innocent right up until his death, using his last words to say . This statement contradicted Stacys several others, especially as shed never mentioned such an argument earlier. I love you, Gabby.". It was vulgar, it was hateful. Thank you for visiting us. Im sorry and my head wasnt on straight. 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. At Willinghams 1992 trial, prosecutors claimed he intentionally set fire to his home in order to kill his own children. I want to say goodbye again to my boys. On Dec. 23, 1991, a fire consumed the Willingham home, killing Amber, 2, and twins Karmon and Kameron, 1. ", Dennis Dowthitt Executed 3/7/01"I am so sorry for what y'all had to go through. I can only imagine how lonesome he was all by himself. I don't deserve to cause you pain. She denied him his wish, later telling a reporter, He took my kids away fromme.. That's the story of my whole life, that's what alcohol will do for you. "Shortly before his execution, I spoke to Todd about the murders and he admitted his guilt to me.". Cameron Todd Willingham, delivered a foul-mouthed tirade directed at his ex-wife. 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. Oh Jesus, Lord God, take me home. From Gods dust I came and to dust I will return, so the Earth shall become my throne.. 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. Cameron Todd Willingham was in jail, charged with murdering his daughters, when he supposedly confessed to a fellow inmate named Johnny Webb. I hope you rot in hell, bitch; I hope you fucking rot in hell, bitch. 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 interpretation of the evidence that was used to convict him of arson and murder. (Yes, they couldnt resist bringing in Clintonesque.). Case creates controversy as governor resists and arson experts are challenged. 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 . All of you, all of you have truly been the best. (Dont worry, Brad Pitts making it into a movie.) 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.". You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. As previously revealed by The Sun, Lyons says this can sometimes be an arduous process as some refuse to die quietly. View our online Press Pack. To my step father Paul, I love you. "He directed so much vitriol towards her that the warden actually started the execution as he was talking to make him stop," Lyons said. 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. I am so sorry for what all of you had to go through. 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. However, Cameron maintained his innocence to his dying breath, and later evidence also suggested that he could have been wrongly executed. The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man-convicted of a crime I did not commit. (Download the full trial transcripts here.). I have known the love of a good woman, my wife. On 23 December 1991, the Corsicana home of Cameron Willingham burned. 1. 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. He was a former hitman who, despite not appearing a particularly sympathetic character, had become someone she had grown to like. ', "It was just such a crazy contrast to see in the space of 30 minutes, and it stuck with me.. 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. My girls would have been 23 and 21 years old today. In 1991, when a fire destroyed the Willinghams home in Corsicana, Texas, and took the lives of 2-year-old Amber and 1-year-old twins Karmen and Kameron, Cameron was the only one who managed to escape. "You b****. The former journalist said: "You do have some that would just do outlandish stuff. I hope you f***ing rot, c***. Here are 10 instances where executed prisoners were later found out to be innocent. View our online Press Pack. I sent a letter to somebody, you know a letter outlining what I feel about everything. She told the Corsicana Daily Sun that a close examination of the evidence persuaded her that Willingham was not innocent. You can learn more about how we consider cases here. ", Cameron Todd Willingham Executed 2/17/04"Yeah. "Mothers love their children and always will, no matter what happens in their lives. Theres nothing left but the memory of those who lay dead. Todd Willingham was executed by lethal injection in Texas in February, 2004. "I have been persecuted for 12 years for something I did not do. By Maurice Possley. Willingham was sleeping when a fire broke out in his family's home. "My girls would have been 23 and 21 years old today. Willingham was executed in February 2004 proclaiming his innocence and hoping aloud that his wife would "rot in . CORSICANA More than five years after his final act from the Texas death chamber gurney was a profanity-filled tirade, the murder case of executed inmate Cameron Todd Willingham refuses to die. I picked it up after finishing Trial By Fire, Granns 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 three baby girls by arson, was innocent-that the fire was likely an accident. Cameron Todd Willingham. For a complete list of contributors, click here. Trial by Fire: Directed by Edward Zwick. Willingham said he was asleep in the home when the fire started and always maintained his innocence. 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. Cameron Todd Willingham, 23 at the time, told fire investigators he woke up as his wife was leaving shortly after 9 a.m., and heard their 1-year-old twins, Karmon and Kameron, crying. From Gods dust I came and to dust I will return, so the Earth shall become my throne.. 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. You know? But others she admits are very hard to forget as she recalled the horrific final words of one inmate. [Remaining portion of statement omitted due to profanity.]. 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 . Willingham's three children -- 2-year-old Amber Kuykendall and 1-year-old twins Karmon and Kameron Willingham, died of smoke inhalation. Willingham, who was asleep when the fire started, survived. What would he say to the victims family? Last Statement: Yeah. To my family, to my brother Gerard, I love you. Well Mom, sometimes it works out like this. After all, she also agreed to take to the stands to state the same during his trial. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. You did not deserve this. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. She explained that on the day of his execution, he thanked her for helping him meet with police officers so he could confess to other crimes he'd committed because he hadnt wanted to die with them on his conscience., 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, 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, Bristol explosion - Homes evacuated after 'suspicious' blast rocks street, Sister of solicitor, 59, who died of blood clot after AstraZeneca vaccine vows she will still get second dose herself, Couple baffled why their bathroom keeps flooding shocked to discover massive SNAKE blocking the drain, Join Bear Grylls in Week 2 of his 40 day military fitness challenge to get Brits into shape, US watching Russias doomsday nuke testing very closely as Putins new Arctic warfare terrifies the world, Calls to lift lockdown faster as Covid fades to lowest level since July as cases more than HALVED in week, 'Big cat' caught on CCTV in Cheshire after couple discover strange footprints and slain chicken. Handout. I love you Gabby. On April 15, 2011, the TFSC issued its final report in the Willingham / Willis cases. He said, The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man convicted of a crime I did not commit. I thank God for having patience with me. 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. I love you all and I will see you on the other side. 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. "Todd is guilty, the criminal justice system and the courts confirmed his guilt, and he should not be pardoned for his crimes," Kuykendall said in an exclusive statement to The Huffington Post. He reasserts his innocence, and his very last words are religious. Cameron Todd Willingham. Dad loves you. You know what I'm saying. "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. Here are five crucial facts about the case. I have made peace with God. Cameron Todd Willingham's words before his execution. (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.). In September 2011, the TFSC met to consider an addendum to its final report on the Willingham and Willis cases. I just got your letter. A letter to the editor revealed that there was more to his last words than that,however. Take care. Stacy Kuykendall, his then-wife, played a significant role in the entire matter by changing her beliefs as well.