List of individuals executed in New Mexico
Encyclopedia
A total of 103 executions have been recorded in New Mexico
. 4 during the Spanish Colonial era
(1598–1821), none during the Mexican era (1821–1846), 51 during the Territorial era (1846–1913), 20 by the U.S. Military during the Taos Rebellion (1847), 27 between 1913 and 1960, when the death penalty was removed except for the murder of a police officer, and 1 since 1976, when the death penalty was reinstated; it remained until March 18, 2009, when Governor Bill Richardson signed a bill abolishing capital punishment into law after many struggles with the issues in previous weeks. http://www.buzzflash.net/story.php?id=1007453 Following this repeal, Bernalillo County Sheriff
Darren White
began campaign for repeal the repeal
by referendum.
94 of the executions were by method of hanging
, 7 by electrocution
, 1 by gas chamber
, and 1 by lethal injection
. 2 of the hanged, "Black Jack" Ketchum in 1901 and Lucius Hightower in 1916, were accidentally decapitated by the noose due to their weight. The death sentences of five convicts were commuted by Governor Toney Anaya in 1986, on the eve of Thanksgiving.
The following is a list of the 28 executions carried out by the state of New Mexico since 1912.
After 1976, only one volunteer was executed.
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
. 4 during the Spanish Colonial era
Santa Fe de Nuevo México
Santa Fe de Nuevo México was a province of New Spain and later Mexico that existed from the late 16th century up through the mid-19th century. It was centered on the upper valley of the Rio Grande , in an area that included most of the present-day U.S. state of New Mexico...
(1598–1821), none during the Mexican era (1821–1846), 51 during the Territorial era (1846–1913), 20 by the U.S. Military during the Taos Rebellion (1847), 27 between 1913 and 1960, when the death penalty was removed except for the murder of a police officer, and 1 since 1976, when the death penalty was reinstated; it remained until March 18, 2009, when Governor Bill Richardson signed a bill abolishing capital punishment into law after many struggles with the issues in previous weeks. http://www.buzzflash.net/story.php?id=1007453 Following this repeal, Bernalillo County Sheriff
Sheriff
A sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
Darren White
Darren White (politician)
Darren White is a former Sheriff of Bernalillo County, New Mexico, having been elected that post in 2002, and re-elected in 2006. Prior to his election as Sheriff, he served as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety in the Cabinet of Governor Gary Johnson. White resigned his...
began campaign for repeal the repeal
Repeal the repeal
Repeal the repeal is the name of a campaign pushed by Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White to reinstate the death penalty in the state of New Mexico following the repeal of capital punishment by the state legislature, signed into law by Governor Bill Richardson on March 18, 2009.-The...
by referendum.
94 of the executions were by method of hanging
Hanging
Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain...
, 7 by electrocution
Electric chair
Execution by electrocution, usually performed using an electric chair, is an execution method originating in the United States in which the condemned person is strapped to a specially built wooden chair and electrocuted through electrodes placed on the body...
, 1 by gas chamber
Gas chamber
A gas chamber is an apparatus for killing humans or animals with gas, consisting of a sealed chamber into which a poisonous or asphyxiant gas is introduced. The most commonly used poisonous agent is hydrogen cyanide; carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide have also been used...
, and 1 by lethal injection
Lethal injection
Lethal injection is the practice of injecting a person with a fatal dose of drugs for the express purpose of causing the immediate death of the subject. The main application for this procedure is capital punishment, but the term may also be applied in a broad sense to euthanasia and suicide...
. 2 of the hanged, "Black Jack" Ketchum in 1901 and Lucius Hightower in 1916, were accidentally decapitated by the noose due to their weight. The death sentences of five convicts were commuted by Governor Toney Anaya in 1986, on the eve of Thanksgiving.
The following is a list of the 28 executions carried out by the state of New Mexico since 1912.
After 1976, only one volunteer was executed.
# | Executed person | Date of execution | Method | Murder victim | Under Governor |
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1 | Ivory Frazer | April 25, 1913, 4:52 AM | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
A Deputy Sheriff (name unknown), Al Smithers | William C. McDonald William C. McDonald (governor) William Calhoun McDonald was the first Governor of the State of New Mexico.McDonald moved to New Mexico Territory in 1880 and settled in Lincoln County, where he managed cattle ranches and became active in Democratic politics.... |
2 | Francisco Granado | April 25, 1913, 4:52 AM | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
William S. Clark | |
3 | Demecio Delgadillo | May 16, 1913, 5:09 AM | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
Soledad Zarrazino de Pino | |
4 | Francisco Alvarez | June 9, 1916 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
24 people in the raid led by Pancho Villa Pancho Villa José Doroteo Arango Arámbula – better known by his pseudonym Francisco Villa or its hypocorism Pancho Villa – was one of the most prominent Mexican Revolutionary generals.... on Columbus, New Mexico Columbus, New Mexico Columbus is a village in Luna County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 1,765 at the 2000 census. The town is named after 15th century explorer Christopher Columbus.-History:... |
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5 | Juan Sanchez | June 9, 1916 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
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6 | Taurino Garcia | June 30, 1916 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
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7 | Eusiero Renteria | June 30, 1916 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
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8 | Juan Castillo | June 30, 1916 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
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9 | Jose Rangel | June 30, 1916 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
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10 | Lucius Hightower | November 13, 1916 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
Mrs. Hightower | |
11 | Julian Romero | April 11, 1918 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
Maria Varela de Jaure | Washington E. Lindsey |
12 | Elbert Blancett | July 20, 1920 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
Clyde D. Amour | Octaviano Larrazolo Octaviano Ambrosio Larrazolo Octavio Ambrosio Larrazolo served as the fourth Governor of New Mexico and a United States Senator. He was the first United States Senator of Mexican-American heritage.... |
13 | Eleuterio Corral | January 20, 1922 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
Ventura Bencomo | Merritt C. Mechem Merritt C. Mechem Merritt Cramer Mechem was a territorial Supreme Court justice and fifth Governor of New Mexico.Mechem was born in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas to Homer C. Mechem and Martha Mechem. He graduated from public school in Kansas and attended the University of Kansas and Ottawa University in Ottawa,... |
14 | Rumaldo Losano | January 20, 1922 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
Ventura Bencomo | |
15 | Luis Medrano | July 28, 1922 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
Anton Coury | |
16 | Ysidero Miranda | July 28, 1922 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
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17 | Carlos Renteria | July 28, 1922 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
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18 | Steve Katonka | October 20, 1922 | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
William Kelly, Sam Groy | |
19 | Franciso Vaisa | April 6, 1923, 5:30 AM | Hanging Hanging Hanging is the lethal suspension of a person by a ligature. The Oxford English Dictionary states that hanging in this sense is "specifically to put to death by suspension by the neck", though it formerly also referred to crucifixion and death by impalement in which the body would remain... |
Anton Coury | James F. Hinkle James F. Hinkle James Fielding Hinkle was an American politician and the sixth Governor of New Mexico.- Early life :Hinkle was born in Franklin County, Missouri on October 20, 1864. He studied at the University of Missouri... |
20 | Thomas Johnson | July 21, 1933, 12:38 AM | Electrocution Electric chair Execution by electrocution, usually performed using an electric chair, is an execution method originating in the United States in which the condemned person is strapped to a specially built wooden chair and electrocuted through electrodes placed on the body... |
Angelina Jaramillo | Arthur Seligman Arthur Seligman Arthur Seligman was an American businessman and politician.Seligman was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory, the son of Bernard and Frances Seligman. In 1887, Seligman graduated from the Southmore College Preparatory School in Pennsylvania, and from Pierce's College of Business in Philadelphia... |
21 | Santiago Garduno | July 21, 1933, 1:12 AM | Electrocution Electric chair Execution by electrocution, usually performed using an electric chair, is an execution method originating in the United States in which the condemned person is strapped to a specially built wooden chair and electrocuted through electrodes placed on the body... |
Filemon Martinez | |
22 | Pedro Talamante | May 10, 1946, 12:10 AM | Electrocution Electric chair Execution by electrocution, usually performed using an electric chair, is an execution method originating in the United States in which the condemned person is strapped to a specially built wooden chair and electrocuted through electrodes placed on the body... |
Mrs. Talamante | John J. Dempsey John J. Dempsey John Joseph Dempsey was a United States Representative from New Mexico who also served as the 13th Governor of New Mexico. He was born in White Haven, Pennsylvania where he attended grade school. Employed as a telegrapher, he held various positions with the Brooklyn Union Elevator Company... |
23 | Louis Young | June 13, 1947, 12:07 AM | Electrocution Electric chair Execution by electrocution, usually performed using an electric chair, is an execution method originating in the United States in which the condemned person is strapped to a specially built wooden chair and electrocuted through electrodes placed on the body... |
Eloise Kennedy | Thomas J. Mabry Thomas J. Mabry Thomas Jewett Mabry was a New Mexico politician and judge, who was Chief Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court and the 14th Governor of New Mexico .... |
24 | Arthur Fay Johnson | February 19, 1954, 12:09 AM | Electrocution Electric chair Execution by electrocution, usually performed using an electric chair, is an execution method originating in the United States in which the condemned person is strapped to a specially built wooden chair and electrocuted through electrodes placed on the body... |
William Cabrel | Edwin L. Mechem Edwin L. Mechem Edwin Leard Mechem was a prominent Republican politician from New Mexico. He served as the 15th, 17th and 19th Governor of New Mexico and represented the state in the United States Senate... |
25 | Frederick W. Heisler | October 29, 1954, 12:15 AM | Electrocution Electric chair Execution by electrocution, usually performed using an electric chair, is an execution method originating in the United States in which the condemned person is strapped to a specially built wooden chair and electrocuted through electrodes placed on the body... |
John Gunnish | |
26 | James Larry Upton | February 12, 1956, 12:09 AM | Electrocution Electric chair Execution by electrocution, usually performed using an electric chair, is an execution method originating in the United States in which the condemned person is strapped to a specially built wooden chair and electrocuted through electrodes placed on the body... |
Donald Dilley | John F. Simms John F. Simms John Field Simms, Jr. was a U.S. politician and judge from the state of New Mexico. He was born in Albuquerque. He was appointed to serve on the New Mexico Supreme Court from 1929 to 1930. He was a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1947 to 1949... |
27 | David Cooper Nelson | August 11, 1960, 12:20 AM | Gas Chamber Gas chamber A gas chamber is an apparatus for killing humans or animals with gas, consisting of a sealed chamber into which a poisonous or asphyxiant gas is introduced. The most commonly used poisonous agent is hydrogen cyanide; carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide have also been used... |
Ralph Henderson Rainey | John Burroughs John Burroughs (governor) John Burroughs was a New Mexican businessman and the 18th Governor of New Mexico. Burroughs is remembered for honest government and introduction of the concept of a state Personnel Act to improve the quality of state workers and limit somewhat the effect of political patronage.Burroughs attended... |
28 | Terry D. Clark Terry D. Clark Terry Doug Clark was convicted of the murder of nine-year-old Dena Lynn Gore. He was executed by the State of New Mexico by means of lethal injection... |
November 6, 2001, 7:10 PM | Lethal Injection Lethal Injection Lethal Injection is the fourth studio album by California-based rapper Ice Cube. Similar to the rapper's previous albums, it was a commercial hit, debuting at #5 on the Billboard 200 with 215,000 copies sold in its first week... |
Dena Lynn Gore | Gary Johnson Gary Johnson Gary Johnson may refer to:*Gary Johnson , former Governor of New Mexico and candidate for President in 2012*Gary Johnson , American politician, Wisconsin State Assembly... |