On this day, April 22, in 1983, John Louis Evans was executed by electric chair in a killing that took three electrical jolts and 14 minutes before he finally died.
Evans was the first Alabama inmate in 20 years to be killed by “Yellow Mama,” the chair made by prison inmates in 1927.
When officials flicked the switch, 1,900 volts burned through Evans’ body. Sparks and flames jetted from his left leg. Smoke curled from under his hood. The stench of burning flesh filled the room.
Doctors examined Evans and found he was not dead.
Prison officials tried again. Same results. Doctors found a heartbeat. He was alive.
Officials gave it a third try. He was pronounced dead four minutes later.
– Scott McCabe
