Gary Gilmore

Gary Mark Gilmore was an American convicted murderer executed on January 17, 1977, for killing two men in Utah. His execution was historically significant as it was the first in the United States following the Supreme Court's 1976 Gregg v. Georgia decision, which reinstated capital punishment. Gilmore chose death by firing squad and uttered the memorable last words, "Let this be a lesson to all." Born on December 4, 1941, in McCamey, Texas, Gilmore grew up in a troubled home with an abusive father. His early life was marked by delinquency and frequent incarceration, leading to a lifetime of criminal activity. Gilmore's notoriety stemmed from murdering two men, Max Jensen and David A. Sowards, during a robbery spree. His trials were contentious, with Gilmore initially waiving his right to legal counsel but later contesting the sentence. Despite his wish for execution, his lawyers appealed, highlighting debates on capital punishment. Gilmore's story captured public imagination, inspiring various cultural works. Norman Mailer's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Executioner's Song" (1979) explored his life and crimes. His brother Mikal Gilmore wrote a memoir, "Shot in the Heart," detailing their family dynamics and Gary's execution, which won literary awards. Cultural references include films like Tommy Lee Jones' portrayal of Gilmore in a 1982 TV movie adaptation of Mailer's book, earning Jones an Emmy. Music artists also drew inspiration from his story, such as The Adverts' song "Gary Gilmore's Eyes." Gilmore's legacy is complex, reflecting both the tragic aspects of his life and the ethical debates ...