The final words of criminals facing execution can provide a chilling, sometimes perplexing, glimpse into their state of mind. From defiant declarations to eerie reflections on life, here are some of the most memorable last words spoken by dangerous criminals before they faced the death penalty.
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Known for his charm and intelligence, Bundy had long denied his guilt until his final years, when he confessed to many of his crimes. His last words were strikingly calm, considering the horror he had inflicted on his victims: **“I'd like you to give my love to my family and friends.”** Bundy's unemotional farewell contrasted with the shock and terror he caused, leaving many wondering whether he ever truly felt remorse.
Convicted of sexually assaulting and murdering 33 young men and boys, Gacy, also known as the "Killer Clown," was one of the most feared serial killers in history. When it came time for his execution in 1994, Gacy showed no remorse or fear. His final words were both defiant and cold: **“Kiss my ass.”** Gacy’s refusal to show regret or acknowledge the pain he had caused underscored the disturbing nature of his crimes.
### 3. **Aileen Wuornos (1956–2002)** One of the few female serial killers in modern history, Aileen Wuornos was convicted of murdering seven men while working as a prostitute. Wuornos claimed self-defense, stating that the men had attempted to assault her. Her life story was complex, filled with abuse and trauma, but in her final moments, she left a cryptic message: **“I'd just like to say I'm sailing with the rock, and I'll be back, like Independence Day with Jesus, June 6. Like the movie, big mother ship and all, I'll be back.”** Her erratic words reflected her deteriorating mental state, leaving many to speculate about the unresolved turmoil she faced even in her final moments.
### 4. **Peter Kürten (1883–1931)** Known as the "Vampire of Düsseldorf," Peter Kürten was a German serial killer responsible for numerous brutal murders in the early 20th century. He was fascinated by blood and had a perverse desire to see and experience death. Before his execution by guillotine, he made a macabre request and a haunting statement: **“Tell me—after my head has been chopped off, will I still be able to hear, at least for a moment, the sound of my own blood gushing from the stump of my neck? That would be the pleasure to end all pleasures.”** Kürten’s chilling last words demonstrated his twisted fascination with death, even as he faced his own.
### 5. **Gary Gilmore (1940–1977)** Gary Gilmore was an American criminal who became infamous for demanding his own execution after being convicted of two murders. He fought against attempts to appeal his death sentence, declaring his desire to die. His final words, delivered before his death by firing squad, were simple yet profound: **“Let's do it.”** Gilmore's last words inspired the iconic Nike slogan decades later, but at the time, they served as a stark reminder of his acceptance of his fate.
### 6. **James French (1936–1966)** James French was the last person to be executed under Oklahoma’s death penalty before its abolition in the 1970s. French had already been serving a life sentence for murder when he killed his cellmate, leading to his death sentence. French’s last words were darkly humorous, reflecting a morbid wit as he faced the electric chair: **“How’s this for your headline? ‘French fries.’”** Even in his final moments, French tried to maintain control, delivering his own punchline before the inevitable.
### 7. **Carl Panzram (1891–1930)** Carl Panzram was an American serial killer, rapist, and arsonist who claimed to have killed over 20 people and committed countless other crimes. He was notorious for his hatred of humanity and showed no remorse for his actions. Before his execution, Panzram remained as defiant as ever, spitting his last words at the executioner: **“Hurry it up, you Hoosier bastard! I could kill a dozen men while you're screwing around!”** Panzram’s final words were a chilling reflection of his lifelong rage and desire for destruction.