The Infamous Last Words of 9 Notorious Killers

The last words of notorious criminals have fascinated people for years, providing a glimpse into their state of mind as they face execution. Whether through a final act of defiance, an expression of regret, or a cryptic message, these statements often reflect the complex and dark nature of their lives and crimes. Join us as we explore the final words of some of the most infamous killers, shedding light on their final moments.

1. Aileen Wuornos

Last Words: "Yes, I would 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, I'll be back."

Aileen Wuornos had a troubled childhood marked by abuse and abandonment. By the age of 12, she was involved in drugs and sex, leading to a life as a prostitute. Between 1989 and 1990, Wuornos murdered seven men, claiming self-defense in each case. Despite her claims, she was convicted of six of the murders and sentenced to death. Her life and crimes were depicted in the movie "Monster." Wuornos was executed by lethal injection on Oct. 9, 2002.

2. John Wayne Gacy

Last Words: "Kiss my (insert foul word for derrière)."

Booking photo of John Wayne Gacy taken December 1978. Photo courtesy of The Des Plaines Police Department via Wikimedia Commons.

John Wayne Gacy, also known as "Pogo the Clown," was a Chicago-based serial killer who targeted at least 33 young men and boys between 1972 and 1978. Gacy lured his victims to his home, where they were often strangled or asphyxiated. He buried 26 of the bodies beneath his house. Gacy was convicted and sentenced to death in 1980. He was executed by lethal injection on May 10, 1994.

3. James French

Last Words: "How about this for a headline for tomorrow's paper? French fries."

James French was convicted of murder in 1958 after killing a driver who picked him up while he was hitchhiking. Serving a life sentence, French decided to end his life, but was too afraid to commit suicide himself. Instead, he murdered a fellow inmate to force the state to execute him.

4. Jack Jones Jr.

Last Words: "I hope over time you can learn who I really am, and I am not a monster. There was a reason why those things happened that day. I am so sorry, Lacy. Try to understand; I love you like a child."

In 1995, Jack Jones Jr. committed a horrific crime in Bald Knob, Arkansas, where he raped and murdered Mary Phillips and strangled her 11-year-old daughter Lacy. Investigators were shocked to find Lacy still alive after initially appearing dead. Jones was convicted of murder and attempted murder and was executed by lethal injection on April 24, 2017.

5. Peter Kürten

Last Words: "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 a pleasure to end all pleasures."

Mugshot of German serial Killer Peter Kürten, 1931. Photo courtesy of Uncredited police photographer, German Reich ('Weimar Republic') via Wikimedia Commons.

Peter Kürten, known as the "Vampire of Düsseldorf," was a German serial killer whose crimes included the brutal murders and sexual assaults of nearly 60 people, and yes, he once drank the blood of one of his victims. His execution by guillotine in 1931 followed a life of extreme violence and sadism.

6. Johnny Frank Garrett

Last Words: "I'd like to thank my family for loving me and taking care of me. And the rest of the world can kiss my..."

Johnny Frank Garrett was executed for the 1981 rape and murder of a nun. His case was controversial due to his mental handicap and the fact that he was only 17 at the time of his sentencing. Garrett had a history of severe abuse and neglect. Despite ongoing debates about his guilt, he was executed by lethal injection.

7. Carl Panzram

Last Words: "Hurry it up... I could kill 10 men while you're fooling around."

Carl Panzram was a notorious serial killer who confessed to murdering 21 people and committing numerous other crimes. Panzram is suspected of killing more than 100 men and committing more than 1,000 rapes. His violent spree and confessions revealed a deeply disturbed individual. Panzram's execution by hanging in 1930 marked the end of a brutal criminal career.

8. Thomas J. Grasso

Last Words: "I did not get my Spaghetti-O's, I got spaghetti. I want the press to know this."

Thomas J. Grasso was convicted for the murder of two elderly individuals, strangling one with Christmas lights and killing another for his Social Security check. His final meal was a feast, including lots of seafood, a Burger King cheeseburger, spareribs, two strawberry milkshakes, and, yes, spaghetti substituted for the requested Spaghetti-O's.

9. Ted Bundy

Last Words: "I'd like you to give my love to my family and friends."

The Infamous Last Words of 9 Notorious Killers-4 Booking photo of Ted Bundy taken August 1979. Photo courtesy of Florida Department of Corrections via Wikimedia Commons.

Ted Bundy was one of America's most infamous serial killers, convicted of numerous murders across several states. His final acts of violence occurred after escaping from jail twice. Bundy's final words, expressed before his execution in Florida's electric chair on Jan. 24, 1989, were a contrast to his violent past.

References: 15 infamous last words from criminals on death row | The Last Words of Infamous American Killers: 'It's a Good Day to Die' | 35 Serial Killers And Their Horrifyingly Creepy Last Words | Peter Kürten