Covering the Execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner, part 3

 

The final witness on day one of the commutation hearing is the offender, Ronnie Lee Gardner. He’s sworn in and makes a statement, then answers questions. His lawyer reads a letter Gardner wrote to Oprah, hoping to get her financial help in starting up a farm for neglected and abused children on some land he owns. He has a little over a thousand dollars (made from selling handmade crafts) to put into getting the farm started.  

Recounting the murders his story seems to shift a bit. He says this time he’s telling the truth. He says he wants to apologize but one of the victims’ families won’t accept his apology so he hasn’t offered it. He says he has avoided speaking out in the media to keep the families from any further hurt.  

For a very brief moment (above) he is overcome with emotion, talking about the remorse he feels. He looks down and the moment is over. Referring to a violent incident with another inmate he says, “I didn’t try to kill him. I stabbed him several times.”  

Gardner’s attorney tells the board that he would prefer not to attend the remaining two sessions of the hearings. He says Gardner’s arthritis makes it too painful for him to sit in the chair with his hands chained behind his back.  

After it’s over, Deputy Nick Kirk’s widow VelDean Kirk and her granddaughter Mandi Hull leave the prison. Click here for all posts on the Ronnie Lee Gardner Execution