20 Executions That Went Horribly Wrong

William Kemmler was the first person to be executed in the electric chair in 1890, but the process was far from smooth. The first electric shock failed to kill him, leaving him visibly suffering in full view of the witnesses. A second, more powerful shock 

In 1997, Pedro Medina was executed in Florida by electric chair, but things took an unexpected turn. Flames suddenly shot out of his head during the execution, shocking those present. This incident raised serious questions about the reliability of the equipment. 

Wallace Wilkerson was executed by a firing squad in 1879, but the shooters missed his heart. Instead of dying instantly, he remained conscious and suffered for several minutes. Witnesses reported that he spoke during this ordeal. This case highlighted the risks of human error, even in the context of seemingly simple methods.

Joseph Wood’s execution in Arizona in 2014 lasted nearly two hours. He was administered several doses of lethal drugs but remained alive for a long time. Witnesses reported prolonged gasping and irregular breathing. This situation drew widespread criticism and was the subject of a thorough legal review.

In 2009, Ohio attempted to execute Romell Broom by lethal injection, but officials had difficulty finding a viable vein. After nearly two hours of attempts, the procedure was halted. 

Angel Diaz was executed in Florida in 2006, but a misplaced needle led to complications. The drugs were injected into soft tissue instead of a vein, which prolonged the process. The execution took much longer than expected, and this case led to a temporary suspension of executions in that state.

Charles Warner was executed in Oklahoma in 2015, but it later emerged that the substances used were not the ones intended. During the execution, he reportedly expressed distress over the burning sensation he was experiencing. The use of the incorrect chemical mixture sparked outrage. It also raised questions about oversight and protocol.

Clayton Lockett’s execution in 2014 was widely criticized due to the complications that arose. After the drugs were administered, he appeared to regain consciousness and showed signs of distress. Authorities eventually halted the procedure, but he later died of a heart attack. This incident sparked calls for greater transparency.

In 1990, Jesse Tafero’s execution in Florida went awry when smoke began to pour from the chair. Witnesses reported seeing sparks and flames during the execution. The malfunction was attributed to faulty equipment. This incident led to increased scrutiny of execution methods.

Willie Francis was executed in Louisiana in 1946 using a portable electric chair. Due to a faulty adjustment, the first attempt failed and he survived. He then had to undergo a second execution, which was successful. His case became a major legal precedent regarding the principle of non-bifurcation.

During Daryl Holton’s execution in Tennessee in 2007, officials encountered difficulties establishing intravenous access. They struggled to administer the lethal injection properly. These delays caused concern among witnesses and officials. This highlighted the technical difficulties inherent in the procedure.

Stephen McCoy’s execution in Florida in 1997 drew attention because of his physical reactions. His face reportedly contorted during the execution, raising questions about the pain he may have felt. 

John Evans was executed in Alabama in 1983, but the first electric shock was not enough to kill him. It took several additional shocks administered over the course of several minutes. Witnesses described the procedure as long and painful. The incident drew sharp criticism.

In 2018, Alabama attempted to execute Doyle Hamm, but officials were unable to establish an intravenous line. After hours of effort, the execution was called off. Hamm subsequently filed a lawsuit against the state. 

Allen Lee Davis was executed in Florida in 1999 by electric chair. According to some reports, he suffered significant physical trauma during the execution, and witnesses observed visible injuries afterward.

In early modern Europe, executions by hanging sometimes failed due to calculation errors. In the case of Fred van den Berg, the fall was not sufficient to cause immediate death. 

Tom Ketchum was executed by hanging in 1901, but the length of the rope had been miscalculated. The result shocked those present. This highlighted the dangers of incorrect calculations.

Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, was executed in 1541 under difficult circumstances. According to some accounts, the executioner reportedly had difficulty carrying out the beheading cleanly. 

James Autry was executed in Texas in 1984, but complications arose during the lethal injection. Delays and procedural issues prolonged the execution beyond what had been anticipated. 

Saddam Hussein’s execution in 2006 was widely broadcast thanks to unauthorized recordings. The footage showed taunts and some disorder among those present. While the execution itself took place without incident, the behavior of those present drew criticism.