What Last Hour On Death Row Looks Like

On death row, a solemn atmosphere pervades. It is common knowledge that within the next hour, one of the inmates will meet their demise. The sound of a guard's footsteps echoes down the cell block, eventually halting in front of the cell of the unfortunate prisoner. With only an hour remaining before the administration of a lethal cocktail, the reality of the situation sets in, prompting a quiet sob.

With 60 minutes left until execution, the prisoner takes a deep breath and gazes through the bars at the two guards stationed behind him to prevent any self-harm. He approaches the bars, grasping them with both hands and closing his eyes, accepting his fate without pleading for mercy.

At 59 minutes before execution, the prisoner retrieves a freshly laundered jumpsuit from his bed and takes a final shower before changing into the clean uniform provided by the guards. Despite his calm demeanor, restlessness consumes him as he contemplates his past misdeeds and the possibility of an unforgiving afterlife.

With 55 minutes remaining, the prisoner expresses gratitude to the guards for treating him humanely and ensuring the safety of the facility. The guards remain silent but acknowledge his words.

At 50 minutes before execution, the warden and chaplain enter the cell, and the prisoner engages in a final conversation with them. The warden explains the upcoming procedure, and the prisoner prepares his last statement.

As the chaplain recites prayers and answers the prisoner's questions, the execution chamber is being readied for the prisoner's arrival. The executioner checks the equipment and ensures the heart monitor is functioning correctly.

With 30 minutes left, the execution team confirms that everything is in order and informs the warden. The prisoner continues to pray, placing his faith in God's mysterious ways.

Subsequently, the executioner proceeds to his office to mentally prepare himself and change into his scrubs. Twenty minutes prior to the execution, the warden returns to the cell where the chaplain and the prisoner are still engaged in prayer. "It is time," he informs them. The chaplain places his hand on the prisoner's shoulder before standing up and leaving the cell. The guards position themselves at the door and await the prisoner. He takes a deep breath and rises from his seat. They handcuff him and escort him out of the cell and down the hallway. They pause at a series of doors that buzz as they unlock. Once they pass through, the doors automatically swing shut and lock behind them. There is no turning back at this point.

Fifteen minutes before the execution, the curtain is drawn back from the window separating the viewing room from the execution chamber. A door at the far end of the room opens, and the warden, accompanied by the prisoner's mother, a lawyer, and a state witness, enters the room. They take their seats in metal folding chairs in front of the viewing window. The mother of the condemned man holds a wad of crumpled tissue paper in her hand. Although she does not condone her son's actions, he is still her flesh and blood. She will see this through, even though it will be incredibly difficult for her.

Ten minutes before the execution, the buzzer on the door leading into the execution chamber sounds, and the metal slab swings open. The guards lead the prisoner into the room, still wearing handcuffs, and bring him to the window. He raises his head and looks his mother in the eyes for the last time. He nods to his lawyer and then closes his eyes. He recites his final statement from memory, primarily consisting of words asking for forgiveness for his actions. He accepts his fate but wants those present to know that he feels remorse. If he could do it all over again, he would never have committed his crimes. He does not plead for a second chance.

Seven minutes before the execution, the prisoner is brought to the metal table in the center of the room and lies down. The guards remove his handcuffs and secure him with leather restraints, which are pulled tight to prevent his arms and legs from moving. The guards check the restraints one final time before stepping aside.

Five minutes before the execution, the executioner sterilizes the needles and swabs iodine on the prisoner's arms. Although these procedures seem unnecessary since preventing infection is a moot point at this stage, they are carried out regardless. The executioner inserts an IV into each of the prisoner's arms. One will be used as the primary delivery method for the drugs that will end his life, while the other serves as a backup in case of any complications. After the IVs are secured, the chaplain says a prayer and a few words. He looks at the prisoner on the table and briefly holds his hand. "God will be waiting for you on the other side," he whispers. The chaplain then moves to the corner of the room. As an employee of the prison system, he would have been required to be in the observation room with everyone else.

Three minutes before the execution, the executioner moves to the side of the table and checks the needles in each arm. The individuals in the viewing room observe as the first plunger is inserted into the IV, and the drugs are pushed into the prisoner's veins. This initial shot is composed of Sodium thiopental or pentobarbital, both of which are fast-acting anesthetics that render the prisoner unconscious in less than 30 seconds. As time passes, his vision becomes blurry, and he drifts in and out of consciousness. Eventually, his breathing slows, and he enters a dreamlike state. It is then that the next phase of the procedure can commence.

Two minutes before the execution, the executioner inserts another needle into the IV and pushes the plunger. Pancuronium bromide enters the unconscious prisoner's system, causing his muscles to relax and leading to the paralysis of his entire body, including the diaphragm and respiratory muscles. After the administration of Pancuronium bromide, the prisoner would eventually die from asphyxiation.

However, an additional drug is administered to the prisoner's body to ensure a swift death. Ninety seconds prior to the execution, the executioner administers the final drug through the intravenous route. Potassium chloride is injected into the prisoner's body, which elevates the level of potassium salt in the system, causing the heart to beat irregularly and eventually leading to cardiac arrest. One second before the execution, the lethal cocktail circulating through the unconscious prisoner's body performs its intended function. The heart ceases to beat, the lungs stop taking in oxygen, and the brain begins to shut down. The electrocardiogram (EKG) attached to the prisoner's chest no longer registers a pulse but emits a continuous beep. The executioner manually checks the pulse and the body, confirming the prisoner's demise, and switches off the machines in the room. Following the execution, the chaplain offers a final prayer while the viewers in the room stand up and are escorted out by the warden. The executioner covers the deceased prisoner with a white sheet, signifying the completion of the execution. The prisoner's final hour on death row has come to an end. In the days to come, the body will be cremated and returned to the family.