(WHAS11) The last public execution in the United States was 74 years ago in Owensboro Kentucky. Rainey Bethea was hung in front of 20,000 people and it created quite a public spectacle
Saturday, one group remembered the event in hopes of sending a message to current leaders; especially those right here in the commonwealth. The Interfaith Paths to Peace said there are three death row inmates in Kentucky that could be executed, if Governor Steve Beshear says so. They look back at the event of 20,000 thousand people watching Rainey Bethea being hung and wonder when it will stop.
Twenty thousand people flocked to Owensboro, Kentucky on August 14, 1936 to watch Rainey Bethea, a convicted rapist, publicly executed. Twenty thousand cheering, booing, yelling... the story was told from father to son.
Terry Taylor, Interfaith Paths to Peace, said “Picnic lunches, hot dog vendors, and popcorn, people shouting and crying. I was just appalled, even as a ten year old kid.”
The actions of that crowd made Rainey Bethea the last person publicly executed. Seventy-four years later, a group of people gathered on the steps of the old jail to remember that day.
Ken Pyle, of Louisville, said “When you’re sitting here, where Randy Bethea walked down these same steps where we’re sitting makes it more powerful.” They retell the story... every word... every image.
