The most detailed records of this final feast come from the only nation in the Western world which still uses the death penalty as a punishment, the United States. Based on this available information, the following article answers some frequently asked questions about a prisoner’s last meal, and shares some of the more interesting anecdotes arising from this custom.
I Thought There Was No Such Thing?
Well yes and no. I’ve often seen it stated online that there is no last meal and certainly in the state of Maryland no provision is made for a condemned man’s special requests - going to death or not, all the prisoners get the same meal at approximately the usual time. In Virginia meals are served on a 28-day rotating menu, e.g. Hot dogs are day one; Chilli day two and so on, and the prisoner can only select one of those 28 different meals. In other states requests for specific meals are still entertained. It is also true that the ‘last meal’ may not be the last meal at all. Known instead as a ‘special meal’, in many states it is eaten a day or two before execution.
Can The Prisoner Have Anything They Want?
Whilst an attempt will be made to supply prisoners with what they request, there are numerous limitations. Alcohol is not usually permitted, as it may make the condemned unruly and could be used to dull the senses. The chef must be capable of cooking the item, and as they can often be prisoners themselves with variable experience levels, this is not always guaranteed. That stated, those who have taken on the responsibility of cooking for the condemned prisoners report that the requests are rarely complex. Extravagance is not permitted. In the state of Florida there is a maximum cost of $40 imposed on the meal and the ingredients cannot be shipped long distances, they must be available locally. In Texas, although details of the last meal are relayed to the media exactly as the prisoner requested it, substitutions with less expensive or more easily obtained ingredients are often made. Fillet of processed fish is supplied as lobster and hamburger steaks replace sirloin, rump or other cuts. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a rarity and instead come out of cans. Very large quantities of food that could result in waste are pared back - David Allen Castillo, executed in 1998, requested 24 tacos but was only given four.
Other prisoners have found themselves even more out of luck when it comes to their meal of choice. Pedro Muniz, executed in 1998 for the rape and murder of a college student, had a relatively humble last meal request of shrimp and salad. Unfortunately, shrimp was not available, and the condemned man was instead served a burger. Thomas J Grasso was particularly grieved at his own final meal, and when asked for any last words before his execution in 1995 for the murder of an elderly lady, gave the following statement;
““I did not get my Spaghetti-O’s, I got spaghetti. I want the press to know this.”
What Are The Most Popular Requests?
Prisoners tend to select food they most enjoyed in the free world or as children, rather than elegant fine dining cuisine, food that brings back good memories. The most popular food items appear to be cheeseburgers, steak, fried chicken, chocolate and ice cream.
Memorable Last Meal Stories
The largest last meal requested to date was probably that of Karl Chamberlain, executed in 2008. He asked for the following; fresh fruit tray (as many different fruits as possible), fresh orange slices, apples, sliced watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, peaches, plums, grapes and strawberries. A fresh vegetable tray with carrot sticks, celery, two tomatoes-sliced, lettuce, cucumber slices, olives, sweet pickles and any other fresh vegetables. Some slices of cheese and lunchmeat, served with a bowl of ranch dressing and two devilled eggs and six jalapenos stuffed with cheese, breaded and fried. A chef salad, ranch dressing on the side and a plate of onion rings, ketchup and hot sauce on the side. One half-pound of french fries, covered with melted, shredded cheese, salsa, jalapenos and ranch dressing on the side. A bacon double cheeseburger, smothered with grilled onions, three to four slices of cheese and mayonnaise with garlic and onion powder mixed in. Two pieces of fried chicken, breasts preferred, or as a substitute two thighs and two legs. One bean and cheese quesadilla, salsa and jalapeno to the side and sour cream or guacamole if possible. A three-egg omelette with grilled onions, mushrooms, ham and lots of cheese. Two barbecue pork rolls. A pitcher of orange juice (only a little ice) and pitcher of milk. No dessert. Of course, given what we have already learned about last meals and the prevention of waste or extravagance, it’s unlikely he actually got all this.
The smallest meal is likely to be that of Victor Feuger, hanged in 1963, who requested a single olive with the pit still in it. It was said that he hoped an olive tree would grow from his body and grace his grave site after his death - sadly, this did not happen. Similarly meagre was the last meal of Velma Barfield, who enjoyed just a can of coke and a packet of cheese doodles before going to her death in 1984.
Of those who did not take their last meal, Ted Bundy is one of the most famous serial killers to decline and he also refused to eat the traditional offering of steak and eggs before going to the electric chair in 1989 for murdering at least 30 women. Rather than have a last meal Philip Workman, executed in 2007 for the murder of a police officer, asked for a vegetarian pizza to be given to a homeless person in Nashville, Tennessee. This request was denied but when it became publicly known homeless shelters all over Tennessee received huge numbers of vegetarian pizzas, donated by individuals and charities to honour his last wish.
Ricky Rector, who was given a lethal injection in 1992 for the murder of a police officer, famously told the girl who came to take his tray away after his final meal that he was going to save his pecan pie for later. Rector attempted suicide by shooting himself in the head after his crime and survived with serious brain damage. He seemed unable to understand his impending fate and this oft quoted incident is an illustration of this, and one of the reasons his execution remains controversial to this day.
The most unusual request for a last meal probably came from James Smith, executed in 1990. He requested a lump of dirt, apparently for a voodoo ritual. The request was denied and he made do with yoghurt.
Sources
- Death Row factsheet accessed May 18th 2011
- The Last Supper accessed May 18th 2011
- I'll Have 24 Tacos and the Filet Mignon. Can a prisoner request anything for his last meal? accessed June 10th 2011
- How was death row inmate Romell Broom cooperative before his execution? accessed June 11th 2011
- Top Ten Death Row last meal requests from Texas accessed June 17th 2011
- Last Words: Thomas J Grasso accessed June 9th 2011
- Last Meals accessed June 10th 2011
- Texecutions resume with huge last meal request accessed June 18th 2011
- The Last Meal accessed June 12th 2011
- Famous Death Row Last Meals accessed June 12th 2011
Paula Sainthouse - Paula Sainthouse holds qualifications in psychology, public relations, horse management & animal behaviour.
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