7/31/2019 CHARLES BECKERS FINAL DAYS
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BECKERS FINAL DAYS
On July 29, the day before Beckers scheduled execution, Becker
was awoken at 7 a.m.He was taken from his cell, given a bath and a
brand-new set of underwear. At 8 a.m., Becker
was taken to the prison barber and administered a close-cropped
haircut, so the metal helmethed wear in the electric chair would
make close contact with the electrodes. When Becker returned to his
cell, he was dismayed to discover that all his personal
belongings, including his clothes, a few articles of furniture,
and most importantly a picture of his wife - had been removed from
his cell. On a new cot lay a heavy black suit, white shirt, and
ablack felt slippers; the clothing he would wear when he was
executed.
On that same morning, John Ford, the Chief Justice of the New
York Supreme Court,issued a statement denying Beckers last bid to
stay alive. This appeal had been presented to himin an affidavit
written by Beckers lawyer Bourke Cockran, after Cockrans appeal had
beenturned down by United States Supreme Court Justice Charles E.
Hughes. Cockran tried throwinga last- second Hail Mary to Justice
Ford, but the pass fell incomplete.
Justice Ford said he had labored for several days and several
nights on briefs for andagainst the application of a new trial. He
then called the newspape rmen into his chamber, and ashis secretary
handed them his written decision, Justice Ford said, I have denied
the motion for anew trial. And this is my birthday. Its a pretty
rough way to spend your birthday, isnt it?
Upon hearing about Justice Ford s decision, Governor Whitman
released a statementsaying, Justice Ford did the only thing he
could do. The evidence was conclusive. If I had anydoubt to Beckers
guilt, I would pardon him.
When Becker was informed that his last appeal had been denied,
and that GovernorWhitman had refused to commute his sentence, he
told Sing Sing Warden Osborne, Well, Illdie like a man anyhow.
Becker also spoke to prison chaplain Father Cashin, who was
spending Beckers last daywith him in order to get Beckers spi
ritual affairs in order.
There is no justice here, Becker told Father Cashin. I am
confident, however, that Iwill get it in the next world. I know
that the truth will come out, and that the world will knowthat
Becker told the truth and is not the mu rderer he is accused of
being.
These are hardly the words of a guilty man speaking to a man of
God shortly before hesabout to be put to death.
Becker also told Father Cashin, I do not fear death, but I feel
the stigma attached to thename Becker, and I feel the distress and
sorrow it will cause my wife.
