In Alabama’s history of capital punishment, only five women have been executed, a stark contrast to the total number of death row inmates. These cases reflect the varied and often tragic circumstances leading to their sentences. Here’s a detailed look at these five women and their stories.
1. Pauline McCoy (1888)
Pauline McCoy holds the distinction of being the first woman executed in Alabama since the state’s inception in 1819. On October 12, 1888, McCoy, a Black woman, was hanged for the murder of 16-year-old Annie Jordan in Montgomery. According to newspaper reports, McCoy was accused of killing Jordan during a dispute over a pair of red shoes. McCoy allegedly choked Jordan after an argument, and was found in possession of Jordan’s clothing at the time of her arrest. The case was marked by racial and social tensions, reflecting the harsh legal landscape of the late 19th century.
2. Silena Gilmore (1930)
Silena Gilmore was the first woman in Alabama to face execution by electric chair, a method introduced in the state in the early 20th century. On January 24, 1930, Gilmore was executed for the shooting death of Horace Johnson, a cafe owner in Birmingham. The Birmingham Post-Herald reported that Gilmore attributed the murder to alcohol, highlighting the era’s struggle with issues of crime and substance abuse. Her case reflects the shifting methods of execution and the evolving legal practices of the time.
3. Earle Dennison (1953)
Earle Dennison was executed on September 4, 1953, by electric chair, after being convicted of poisoning her 2-year-old niece, Diane Weldon, in Wetumpka. Dennison, a former nurse, had previously attempted suicide twice. During her trial, she reportedly had no recollection of the poisoning, raising questions about her mental state. The case drew significant attention, illustrating the complexities of criminal justice and mental health in the mid-20th century.
4. Rhonda B. Martin (1957)
Rhonda Martin was executed by electric chair on October 11, 1957. She was convicted of poisoning multiple family members, including her children, mother, and husbands, as well as another husband who survived the poisoning. Prosecutors argued that Martin’s motive was both financial and personal gain, including her marriage to her deceased husband’s son. Martin’s case was marked by its tragic domestic violence aspects and highlighted the extreme outcomes of personal vendettas.
5. Lynda Lyon Block (2002)
The most recent woman executed in Alabama, Lynda Lyon Block, was put to death on May 10, 2002. Block was convicted of killing Opelika police officer Roger Motley during a confrontation involving her and her husband, George Sibley. The shooting occurred while Sibley and Block were wanted for assault charges in Florida. Block claimed self-defense during the incident, which was her last act before becoming the final Alabama death row inmate to be executed by electric chair. Sibley was executed in 2005.
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These five women’s stories span over a century, showcasing the evolution of execution methods and the changing societal views on crime and punishment. Their cases continue to provoke discussions on the death penalty and its application, reflecting broader societal issues that persist today.
Reference Article:
https://www.al.com/news/2015/11/the_5_women_on_alabamas_death.html