Sunday, September 12

Aileen Wuornos


Convicted January 27, 1992 for the murder of Richard Mallory, sentenced to death. Subsequently convicted of 5 additional murders, receiving an additional 5 death sentences. Executed via lethal injection October 9, 2002 at the Florida State Prison.

MENU

1 Cup of Coffee


Most people are familiar with the Wuornos case thanks to the 2003 film Monster, starring Charlize Theron. In fact, her story's been the inspiration for a number of documentaries, movies, and even an opera. Wuornos confessed to the murders (including a seventh whose body was never found), but claimed to be acting in self-defense, alleging the men had been attempting to rape her. In later interviews she seemed to take back the claims of self-defense, but watching these, it's difficult to tell what she really believed anymore. However, under the orders of Governor Jeb Bush, psychiatrists did find her competent for execution. Wuornos refused a last meal, having a single cup of coffee before the execution. This might have been because she believed the prison matrons had been contaminating her food; she had been known to refuse meals during her prison stay as a means of protesting what she felt was abusive treatment.