Wallace Wilkerson
American convicted murderer / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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For the American politician, see Wallace G. Wilkinson.
Wallace Wilkerson (c. 1834 – May 16, 1879)[1] was an American stockman who was sentenced to death by the Territory of Utah for the murder of William Baxter. Wilkerson professed his innocence,[2][7] but chose to die by firing squad over hanging or decapitation.[5] The execution was botched; Wilkerson took up to 27 minutes to die because the firing squad missed his heart.[1][4]
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Wallace Wilkerson | |
---|---|
Born | c. 1834[1] Quincy, Illinois, U.S.[2] |
Died | (1879-05-16)May 16, 1879 (aged 45) |
Cause of death | Exsanguination caused by botched firing squad execution |
Occupation(s) | Stockman, horse breaker, military drummer[2] |
Criminal status | Executed (May 16, 1879; 145 years ago (1879-05-16))[4] |
Conviction(s) | Murder – 1877[5] |
Criminal penalty | Death |
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His case, Wilkerson v. Utah, was heard by the Supreme Court of the United States and continues to be cited in present-day case law involving cruel and unusual punishment.[8]