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TIMELINE OF AN EXECUTION
An hour-by-hour walk-through of what happens inside and outside the prison during an execution
This photo essay tells the story of an execution night in the United States. It is intended to be representative. While drawing from actual photos from a number of executions and events, prison protocol and details can vary from state-to-state.
The drama of an execution is rarely in the public's eye and very few people see or experience what transpires during an execution - either inside or outside the prison. It is often carried out in the dead of night behind secure prison walls while victims' families desperately seek closure and prisoners' families prepare for loss and the rest of us "supposedly" can sleep safely at night.
That is the intersection of state and justice. And that is where we begin today.
(click on the first photo to open the series in a navigable presentation, or you may work your way down the page)
TIMELINE OF AN EXECUTION
An hour-by-hour walk-through of what happens inside and outside the prison during an execution
This photo essay tells the story of an execution night in the United States. It is intended to be representative. While drawing from actual photos from a number of executions and events, prison protocol and details can vary from state-to-state.
The drama of an execution is rarely in the public's eye and very few people see or experience what transpires during an execution - either inside or outside the prison. It is often carried out in the dead of night behind secure prison walls while victims' families desperately seek closure and prisoners' families prepare for loss and the rest of us "supposedly" can sleep safely at night.
That is the intersection of state and justice. And that is where we begin today.
(click on the first photo to open the series in a navigable presentation, or you may work your way down the page)
![Death Row Cells death row, execution, death penalty, north carolina](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-001-1.jpg)
Death row is where prisoners spend as many as 23 hours a day confined to small, box-like cells, with little slits of glass for windows. After years of waiting, one day they will receive word that an execution date has been set.
![Death House Cross Death house, death row, execution, texas, huntsville, walls unit, cross, death penalty](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1310/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-002-1.jpg)
A cross sits atop of the death house, a separate prison facility where prisoners are brought as the execution date nears.
![Death Row Cell death row, execution, death penalty, north carolina, cell, death watch](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1324/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-003-1.jpg)
A few days prior to the execution, the prisoner will be transferred from death row to a special death watch cell within the death house.
![Death Row Visitation death row, execution, death penalty, visitation, north carolina](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-004-1.jpg)
The final days include visits by family, friends and attorneys - sometimes where the prisoner is kept behind thick glass, sometimes where physical contact is allowed.
![Death Row Cell death row, execution, death penalty, north carolina, cell, prison, death watch](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-006-1.jpg)
Then return to death watch to wait for the courts to issue their final decisions on any pending legal appeals.
![Witness Room death row, execution, death penalty, witness room, north carolina](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-010-1.jpg)
Witnesses of the execution are brought into the viewing room. In the tiny room, some are seated and some will stand. The viewing window is straight ahead.
![Prisoner is Put in Place death row, execution, death penalty, gurney, warden, north carolina](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-011-1.jpg)
With the prisoner strapped down, the warden wheels the gurney from the preparation room into the adjacent death chamber.
![Gurney at Viewing Window death row, execution, death penalty, gurney, death chamber, lethal injection, north carolina](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-012-1.jpg)
The gurney and the prisoner are placed at the viewing window, eye level with the witnesses on the other side.
![Waiting for Final Phone Call death row, execution, death penalty, arkansas, prison, executioners](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-013-1.jpg)
Prison staff wait for the final phone call that will inform them that the execution has been cleared by the courts to begin.
![Family Wait death row, execution, death penalty, georgia, vigil, death row family, troy davis, dejuan Davis-Correia](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-014-1.jpg)
A few minutes before the scheduled time of the lethal injection process, family of the prisoner pray outside and hope for a miracle.
![Attorneys React death row, execution, death penalty, north carolina, attorney, lawyer](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-016-1.jpg)
In the waiting room of the prison, it is announced that the Supreme Court has lifted the delay. Attorneys react to the news, knowing that all hope is lost. The execution will go forward.
![Police Guard Prison death row, execution, death penalty, police, guards, troy davis, protest, vigil, SWAT, georgia](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-017-1.jpg)
Outside the prison armed law enforcement agencies guard the exterior to ensure that the process is not disrupted.
![Supporting Executions death row, execution, death penalty, protest, support, KKK, gary graham, texas, huntsville, sankofa, race, racism](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1316/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-021-1.jpg)
Including the KKK at a Black man’s execution in Texas - wearing Klan gowns and carrying Confederate flags outside the prison.
![A Series of Three Drugs death row, execution, death penalty, lethal injection, drugs](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_832/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-022-1.jpg)
Meanwhile, inside the death house, a series of three drugs will be administered into the prisoner’s veins while strapped to the gurney - in view of the witnesses.
![Methods of Execution death row, execution, death penalty, electric chair, electrocution](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1452,h_1980/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-023-1.jpg)
Most states will use lethal injections to kill its prisoners, but some use other methods, including the electric chair.
![Witness Leave Execution death row, execution, death penalty, witnesses, victim family, media, journalists](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-027-1.jpg)
Once the prisoner is pronounced dead, witnesses return to a nearby media room to attend a press conference.
![Victim's Family Statement death row, execution, death penalty, witnesses, victim family, media, journalists, statement](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1320,h_1980/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-028-1.jpg)
With victim family members reading from handwritten notes, speaking about their experience and need for closure.
![Media Witness Notes death row, execution, death penalty, witnesses, victim family, media, journalists](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-029-1.jpg)
Media witness share their notes, detailing the timeline of events and how the prisoner responded to the drugs.
![Spiritual Advisor's Observations death row, execution, death penalty, witnesses, chaplain, spiritual advisor, religion](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-030-1.jpg)
The prisoner’s personal spiritual advisor recounts the experience of standing next to the gurney, watching a man die.
![Body is Loaded into Van death row, execution, death penalty, body, dead](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-031-1.jpg)
Then the body of the prisoner is loaded into a white coroner's van, which will go directly to a nearby hospital for examination.
![Death Row Cells death row, execution, death penalty, north carolina](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-001-1.jpg)
Death row is where prisoners spend as many as 23 hours a day confined to small, box-like cells, with little slits of glass for windows. After years of waiting, one day they will receive word that an execution date has been set.
![Death House Cross Death house, death row, execution, texas, huntsville, walls unit, cross, death penalty](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1310/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-002-1.jpg)
A cross sits atop of the death house, a separate prison facility where prisoners are brought as the execution date nears.
![Death Row Cell death row, execution, death penalty, north carolina, cell, death watch](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1324/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-003-1.jpg)
A few days prior to the execution, the prisoner will be transferred from death row to a special death watch cell within the death house.
![Death Row Visitation death row, execution, death penalty, visitation, north carolina](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-004-1.jpg)
The final days include visits by family, friends and attorneys - sometimes where the prisoner is kept behind thick glass, sometimes where physical contact is allowed.
![Death Row Cell death row, execution, death penalty, north carolina, cell, prison, death watch](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-006-1.jpg)
Then return to death watch to wait for the courts to issue their final decisions on any pending legal appeals.
![Witness Room death row, execution, death penalty, witness room, north carolina](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-010-1.jpg)
Witnesses of the execution are brought into the viewing room. In the tiny room, some are seated and some will stand. The viewing window is straight ahead.
![Prisoner is Put in Place death row, execution, death penalty, gurney, warden, north carolina](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-011-1.jpg)
With the prisoner strapped down, the warden wheels the gurney from the preparation room into the adjacent death chamber.
![Gurney at Viewing Window death row, execution, death penalty, gurney, death chamber, lethal injection, north carolina](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-012-1.jpg)
The gurney and the prisoner are placed at the viewing window, eye level with the witnesses on the other side.
![Waiting for Final Phone Call death row, execution, death penalty, arkansas, prison, executioners](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-013-1.jpg)
Prison staff wait for the final phone call that will inform them that the execution has been cleared by the courts to begin.
![Family Wait death row, execution, death penalty, georgia, vigil, death row family, troy davis, dejuan Davis-Correia](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-014-1.jpg)
A few minutes before the scheduled time of the lethal injection process, family of the prisoner pray outside and hope for a miracle.
![Attorneys React death row, execution, death penalty, north carolina, attorney, lawyer](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-016-1.jpg)
In the waiting room of the prison, it is announced that the Supreme Court has lifted the delay. Attorneys react to the news, knowing that all hope is lost. The execution will go forward.
![Police Guard Prison death row, execution, death penalty, police, guards, troy davis, protest, vigil, SWAT, georgia](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-017-1.jpg)
Outside the prison armed law enforcement agencies guard the exterior to ensure that the process is not disrupted.
![Supporting Executions death row, execution, death penalty, protest, support, KKK, gary graham, texas, huntsville, sankofa, race, racism](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1316/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-021-1.jpg)
Including the KKK at a Black man’s execution in Texas - wearing Klan gowns and carrying Confederate flags outside the prison.
![A Series of Three Drugs death row, execution, death penalty, lethal injection, drugs](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_832/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-022-1.jpg)
Meanwhile, inside the death house, a series of three drugs will be administered into the prisoner’s veins while strapped to the gurney - in view of the witnesses.
![Methods of Execution death row, execution, death penalty, electric chair, electrocution](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1452,h_1980/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-023-1.jpg)
Most states will use lethal injections to kill its prisoners, but some use other methods, including the electric chair.
![Witness Leave Execution death row, execution, death penalty, witnesses, victim family, media, journalists](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-027-1.jpg)
Once the prisoner is pronounced dead, witnesses return to a nearby media room to attend a press conference.
![Victim's Family Statement death row, execution, death penalty, witnesses, victim family, media, journalists, statement](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1320,h_1980/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-028-1.jpg)
With victim family members reading from handwritten notes, speaking about their experience and need for closure.
![Media Witness Notes death row, execution, death penalty, witnesses, victim family, media, journalists](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-029-1.jpg)
Media witness share their notes, detailing the timeline of events and how the prisoner responded to the drugs.
![Spiritual Advisor's Observations death row, execution, death penalty, witnesses, chaplain, spiritual advisor, religion](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-030-1.jpg)
The prisoner’s personal spiritual advisor recounts the experience of standing next to the gurney, watching a man die.
![Body is Loaded into Van death row, execution, death penalty, body, dead](https://wp-modula.b-cdn.net/spai/q_lossy,ret_img,w_1980,h_1320/https://deathpenaltyphoto.org/wp-content/uploads/timeline-031-1.jpg)
Then the body of the prisoner is loaded into a white coroner's van, which will go directly to a nearby hospital for examination.