Amnesty International launched a jarring anti-capital punishment campaign that depicts the last meal requests of executed men who were later proved or presumed innocent.
One example is Cameron Todd Willingham, who was convicted and executed in Texas for starting a fire that killed his three daughters. Thirteen years later, the Texas Forensic Science Commission ruled that the evidence that supposedly proved the fire was caused intentionally as an act of arson was based entirely on "flawed science"— other scientists also claimed there was no evidence of arson. Willingham is presumed innocent.
For his last meal, Willingham requested tater tots, ribs, enchiladas, onion rings, and two slices of pie before he was put to death. The text reads, "If you can't stomach this, act," prompting people to sign a petition on Amnesty's Facebook page.
David Spence requested fried chicken, french fries, tea, coffee, chocolate ice cream, and a Coca-Cola for his last meal.
David Spence was executed in 1997 but presumed innocent in 2000.
Spence was charged and executed for the torture and murder of Kenneth Franks and Jill Montgomery, 18 and 17. The violent crime was thought to be the result of a botched murder-for-hire. No physical evidence linked him to the crime.
Following his execution, The New York Times wrote a piece that claimed, "Those who believe that David Spence did not commit the crime for which he died include the lieutenant, now retired, who supervised the police investigation of the murders; the detective who actually conducted the investigation, and a conservative Texas businessman who, almost against his will, looked into the case and became convinced that Mr. Spence was being railroaded."
A later report said that prisoners who testified against Spence in court were bribed with alcohol and conjugal visits.
Ruben Cantu asked for fried chicken and rice for his last meal.
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