The Last Hanging in Cape County
Morley Swingle directly in front of the mural of the Last Hanging.
The last lawful execution by hanging in Cape Girardeau County occurred on June 15, 1899, next to the old Courthouse in Jackson, Missouri, when John Headrick was hanged for the murder of James M. Lail.
The wheels of justice moved much faster a century ago. The murder was committed on July 1, 1898, the 5-day jury trial began on November 15, 1898, the Missouri Supreme Court affirmed the conviction by written opinion on May 9, 1899, and the execution was carried out on June 15, 1899, less than one year from the date of the murder.
After a historian found a transcript of the jury trial in the courthouse, Morley Swingle read it, prepared a written account of the trial, and hired an artist to paint a "wall-hanging" for the office.
The fact that 100 years ago a murderer was legally and lawfully hanged by the neck until dead within 50 yards of the place where this painting now hangs reminds those of us in law enforcement of the importance of our work. Criminals should be punished for their crimes. A person is responsible for his choices in life. When a criminal chooses to commit a crime, there should be consequences. Punishment will rarely be a death sentence, but it should be swift and sure in every case. Justice demands no less.
* FACTUAL ACCOUNT OF THE LAST HANGING
* TEXT OF MISSOURI SUPREME COURT DECISION
* BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THOMAS D. HINES, LEAD PROSECUTOR OF CASE
* BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JOHN SNIDER, ASSISTANT
PROSECUTOR IN CASE