The Last Meal and Execution of Shannon Johnson, Delaware's Final Death Row Inmate

The Final Meal of Shannon Johnson, Delaware's Last Execution

On April 29, 2016, death row inmate Shannon Johnson ate his last meal before becoming the final prisoner to be put to death in the state of Delaware. Johnson was convicted and sentenced to death for the shooting of Cameron Hamlin, a clerk at a convenience store in Newport, Delaware, during an attempted robbery on September 23, 2013.

The Crime That Led to Delaware's Last Execution

On the night of the murder, Johnson entered the Newport Express Mart wearing a mask and carrying a handgun. He demanded money from Hamlin, who complied and handed over the cash from the register. As Hamlin raised his hands in surrender, Johnson inexplicably shot him once in the chest. Hamlin died from his wound a short time later after being transported to a nearby hospital.

Johnson fled the scene but was identified by eyewitnesses and arrested the next day. He was found guilty of first-degree murder during the commission of a felony and sentenced to death. Johnson declined to appeal his case or seek clemency from the governor.

Johnson's Execution After Delaware Ended the Death Penalty

In 2016, Delaware was no longer an active death penalty state. The Delaware Supreme Court had ruled the state's death penalty law unconstitutional in 2015, but Johnson's execution was still carried out because he was convicted and sentenced before the abolishment.

Johnson was the 16th inmate and the last prisoner to be executed since Delaware reinstated capital punishment in 1991. There were 17 other inmates who had been sentenced to death in Delaware but were still awaiting execution when the death penalty was banned.

The Last Meal Request

For his last meal, Shannon Johnson requested a simple feast - 4 whole fried chickens, french fries, one lemon meringue pie, one apple pie, one gallon of peach tea and one gallon of grape drink. This substantial order allowed him to enjoy a final hearty meal before meeting his fate.

Last meal requests of death row inmates allow them a choice of food and drink before their execution. While Delaware did not have any regulations on last meals, most states place restrictions on the cost or extravagance. Condemned prisoners are generally given access to the prison kitchen to fulfill common requests.

Johnson's Execution

After consuming his last meal, Shannon Johnson was executed by lethal injection on April 29, 2016 at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna, Delaware. He was pronounced dead at 2:56 am ET, at the age of 43.

Johnson declined to make a final statement and showed no remorse for his crime in his final hours. He was the 108th inmate executed in Delaware since 1946, and the 15th since the state reinstated capital punishment in 1991.

Cameron Hamlin's family issued a statement that they agreed with the jury's decision to sentence Johnson to death. They hoped the execution would bring some closure after nearly 3 years.

The End of Delaware Executions

The execution of Shannon Johnson marked the end of Delaware's use of capital punishment. Despite abolishing the death penalty, the state was compelled to carry out Johnson's sentence because he was convicted under the previous law.

With the death penalty now prohibited, the 17 other inmates who were on Delaware's death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment without parole by the state Supreme Court.

Delaware became the 20th state in the US to abolish the death penalty. Advocates hope other states follow suit to end the practice of state-sanctioned executions across America.

Shannon Johnson's final meal and execution marked a pivotal moment in Delaware's history and criminal justice system. While his brutal crime still brought a grim end, it ultimately led to the abolition of capital punishment in the state.

FAQs

What crime was Shannon Johnson convicted of?

Shannon Johnson was convicted of first-degree murder for fatally shooting a store clerk named Cameron Hamlin during an attempted robbery in 2013.

Why was Johnson's execution allowed after Delaware banned the death penalty?

Johnson was sentenced to death before Delaware abolished capital punishment in 2015. His execution was still carried out because he was convicted and sentenced under the previous death penalty law.

What did Johnson request for his last meal?

Johnson requested a large last meal order of 4 fried chickens, french fries, 2 pies, and 2 gallons of peach tea and grape drink.

When and how was Shannon Johnson executed?

Johnson was executed by lethal injection on April 29, 2016 at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Delaware. He was pronounced dead at 2:56 am.