Death Penalty and Execution Protest Photos, Photographs and Images
An Execution Night Timeline: An Hour by Hour Photo Story

What exactly goes on in the death house as the hours tick by before an execution? These photographs tell the story of what happens and when, and the poeple behind the ultimate punishment. (Most prison photos taken of North Carolina's Central Prison during a media tour before an execution.)


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American justice. 6:00 p.m. The prisoner is taken from population.
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Prisoner has the last meal at this table... final contact visitation with friends and family... and the last opportunity to use the phone.
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11:15 p.m. - visitation ends. Warden brings prisoner to death watch. Cell C is where the prisoner is kept.
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Inside of Cell C. The last bed to be slept on. 1:45 a.m.
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Prisoner is placed on the gurney, IVs are started. A last statement is taken. 1:50 a.m.
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Warden instructs the witnesses... in the witness viewing room. 1:55 a.m.
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Gurney is wheeled into the death chamber... and is placed at the viewing window. A curtain is pulled to hide the execution team.
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2:00 a.m. - time of execution. Outside the prison people pray... and people vigil against the execution.
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And protesters risk arrest. But not everyone is opposed. Some say the death penalty is just.
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2:17 a.m. The prisoner is pronounced dead. Family and witnesses exit the prison.
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The State announces the time of death... while attorneys grieve the defeat... and family of the prisoner mourn.
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The family of the executed weep... and comfort each other outside the prison. Meanwhile a prison van takes the body...
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Passing a "dead end" sign. A death certificated is issued. The manner of death listed as homicide.
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Empty tissue boxes are left behind... and another body is laid to rest. And people ask, "What about
separation of church and state?"
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  The State responds, "What about justice?"  

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All images © Scott Langley / Langley Creations Photography