John Spenkelink was born in Le Mars, Iowa on March 29, 1949.
Facts of the Crime: On February 4, 1973, the 24-year-old Spenkelink, a twice convicted felon and an escapee from a California correctional camp, picked up Joseph J. Szymankiewicz, a hitchhiker, while traveling in the midwest. Both men had criminal records, and both were heavy drinkers. They checked into a hotel room in Tallahassee. After Spenkelink left to wash the car, he returned and shot Szymankiewicz while he slept in bed, once in the head just behind the left ear and a second time in the back. He then told a cover story to the hotel proprietor, paid for an extra day, and left with Frank Bruum, another hitchiker. Spenkelink claimed that he shot Szymankiewicz in self-defense in that he forced sexual relations on him earlier, and forced him to play "russian roulette." He also claimed that the gun went off accidentally during a fight between the two. Less than one week later, Spenkelink and Bruum were arrested for suspicion of armed robbery in Buena Park, California. The murder weapon was found in an apartment leased to Bruum and others. Upon their return to Florida both were tried for First Degree Murder. Spenkelink was found guilty and Bruum was acquitted.
Time of Death: 10:18 AM
Manner of Execution: Electrocution
Last Meal: John Spenkelink split a flask of Jack Daniel’s whiskey with his prison superintendent.
Final Words: "Capital punishment -- Them without the capital get the punishment."
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