Final Farewells: The Strangest Last Meal Requests on Death Row

In some states in America and other countries with legal capital punishment, an interesting custom exists for criminals on death row: the infamous last meal. Convicted felons are granted the opportunity to select any food and drink of their choice within certain regulations on the eve of their execution. Here are some of the strangest meals ever recorded.

No. 20 - Victor Harry Feguer:

In 1963, 28-year-old Victor Harry Feguer was sentenced to death by hanging for a convicted kidnapping and murder. For his final meal, the young man had only one request: a single olive with the pit left in. After his execution, the olive pit was found inside Feguer's suit pocket, leading to the belief that he intended to be buried with it, symbolizing peace with an olive tree sprouting from his grave.

No. 19 - Gerald Lee Mitchell:

Gerald Lee Mitchell's last meal was sweeter, in a different sense. As he awaited his final moments on death row, Mitchell had only one thing on his mind when it came to his last meal: an assorted bag of Jolly Ranchers Candy. After finishing the entire bag before facing the final curtain, it's safe to say this criminal intended to go out on a real sugar high.

No. 18 - Lawrence Russel Brewer:

Some criminals have a clear idea of what they want for their last meal, while others are spoiled for choice. Lawrence Russel Brewer, a convicted killer and white supremacist, took full advantage of the unusual opportunity in 2011. His extravagant order included two fried chicken steaks with gravy and onions, a triple bacon cheeseburger, a cheese omelet with various toppings, three fajitas, a meat feast pizza, fried okra, a pound of barbecued meat with half a loaf of white bread, peanut butter fudge with crushed peanuts, and a pint of Blue Bell ice cream, all washed down with three root beers. Surprisingly, Brewer refused to eat a morsel when the order arrived, leading to the banning of last meal requests in the state.

No. 17 - John Wayne Gacy:

John Wayne Gacy, the notorious serial killer and killer clown Pogo, ordered a meal that reflected his past connection to fast food. His final supper included 12 fried shrimp, a bucket of original recipe KFC, french fries, and a pound of strawberries. Gacy had previously managed KFC restaurants and seemed to have a lasting love for their finger-licking goodness.

No. 16 - John Spenkelink:

For some, food isn't a priority when making a last order. Known as a heavy drinker, Spenkelink asked for a single flask of Jack Daniels instead of a special meal, which he shared with the prison superintendent. His choice led to the state of Florida revising its last meal provisions to exclude alcohol altogether.

No. 15 - Aileen Wuornos:

Aileen Wuornos, another death row inmate, requested a beverage as her last meal in 2002: a single cup of black coffee. Her last words were peculiar, claiming she would return with Jesus on Independence Day, leaving her motive for the request open to interpretation.

No. 14 - Ricky Ray Rector:

Ricky Ray Rector ordered a tempting meal consisting of steak, fried chicken, cherry Kool-Aid, and pecan pie. However, he left his dessert untouched, claiming he was saving it for later, leaving a cryptic hint about his return in the afterlife.

No. 13 - Timothy McVeigh:

Surprisingly, for someone responsible for 168 innocent deaths, Timothy McVeigh's last meal was two pints of mint chocolate chip ice cream. The choice may seem too generous for a senseless killer, given the gravity of his crimes.

No. 12 - David Leon Woods:

After 22 years on death row, David Leon Woods requested a standard pizza and an entire birthday cake for his final meal, which he shared with his family. His execution took place three months before his actual birthday, but for a man in his situation, beggars can't be choosers.

No. 11 - Thomas J. Grasso:

Thomas J. Grasso, an extravagant food lover, ordered two dozen steamed clams, half a dozen barbecued ribs, a Burger King double cheeseburger, and two strawberry milkshakes. Interestingly, he also requested a can of Spaghettios to be served at room temperature, but instead received spaghetti and meatballs, a mistake he did not take lightly.

No. 10 - Stephen Wayne Anderson:

Before his execution in California in 2002, Stephen Wayne Anderson requested two grilled cheese sandwiches, a pint of cottage cheese, a hominy corn mixture, peach pie and chocolate chip ice cream, and an unusual side of radishes.

No. 9 - Peter J. Miniel:

Peter J. Miniel placed an enormous order for his last meal in 2004. He requested 20 beef tacos, 20 beef enchiladas, two double cheeseburgers, a pizza with jalapenos, fried chicken, spaghetti with salt, and an indulgent dessert with multiple flavors of ice cream and cakes, all accompanied by various beverages.

No. 8 - Velma Barfield:

Known as the Death Row Granny, Velma Barfield was the first woman executed in the US after 22 years. For her last meal, she surprisingly requested a packet of Cheez Doodles and a can of Coke, leaving her sweet, God-fearing image somewhat tainted.

No. 7 - Robert Alton Harris:

Robert Alton Harris made a unique combination of his last meal, ordering a 21-piece bucket of KFC, two large Domino's pizzas, a six-pack of Pepsi, ice cream, and a bag of jelly beans, along with a packet of Camel cigarettes.

No. 6 - Ronnie Lee Gardner:

Ronnie Lee Gardner's final meal stood out for its unusual request. In addition to steak, lobster tail, and apple pie with vanilla ice cream and 7-Up, he also asked to watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy while eating, making it the longest last meal ever.

No. 5 - Philip Workman:

Philip Workman had a strangely selfless request for his last meal in 2007. Instead of indulging himself, he ordered a large vegetarian pizza to be given to a random homeless person. Despite officials' refusal to fulfill the request, numerous vegetarian pizzas were sent to homeless shelters as a gesture of kindness.

No. 4 - Angel Nieves Diaz:

Angel Nieves Diaz turned down any special food for his final meal in 2006, and instead, he was served the regular prison menu. Diaz refused to eat anything, and his last words condemned the death penalty as an act of vengeance and cowardice by humans.

No. 3 - Oba Chandler:

For his last meal, Oba Chandler ordered two salami sandwiches, a grape jelly sandwich, and iced tea and coffee. With all that bread, one might say he went out on a crusty note.

No. 2 - Robert Dale Conklin:

Robert Dale Conklin showed expensive taste with his last meal in 2005. He requested a feast including filet mignon wrapped in bacon, de-veined shrimp sauteed in garlic butter with lemon, baked potato with various toppings, corn on the cob, asparagus with Hollandaise sauce, French bread, goat cheese, cantaloupe, two different ice cream flavors, and various beverages.

No. 1 - James Edward Smith:

The convicted felon, James Edward Smith, made the most bizarre last meal request ever recorded. For his execution in 1990, he asked for a lump of soil. Although the reasons behind this strange request remain unknown, Smith was denied and served a cup of yogurt instead.

As intriguing as these last meal requests may be, they offer a glimpse into the minds of criminals facing their ultimate fate. Each request reflects the unique personalities and sometimes eccentricities of these individuals, leaving us to wonder what we would choose if we were ever in their position.