What Were The Last Words Of 10 Notorious Killers?

November 08, 2017
By: Michelle Sigona

John Wayne Gacy mug shot

Photo by: Des Plaines Police Department

Des Plaines Police Department

John Wayne Gacy mug shot

No matter how depraved a criminal is, or how little mercy was shown to victims, there’s always that dramatic last opportunity before execution to ask for forgiveness, pray to a deity, or say goodbye to loved ones. But what some of them choose to say may surprise you!

Here, CrimeFeed has rounded up the famous last words of 10 of the worst killers and criminals the world has ever known.

Ted Bundy in court [Donn Dughi / State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, via Wikimedia Commons]

10. Ted Bundy

Responsible for kidnapping, raping, and killing more than 100 victims.

“I’d like you to give my love to my family and friends.”

9. Peter Kürten AKA The Vampire of Dusseldorf

Convicted of killing nine people and drinking their blood.

“After my head has been chopped off, will I still be able to hear, at least for a moment, the sound of my own blood gushing from the stump of my neck? That would be a pleasure to end all pleasures.”

8. Andrei Chikatilo

Sexually molested and killed 52 women and children.

“Don’t blow my brains out! The Japanese want to buy them!”

Aileen Wuornos

Photo by: Florida Department of Corrections

Florida Department of Corrections

Aileen Wuornos

7. Aileen Wuornos

Killed six men while working as a prostitute.

“I’d just like to say I’m sailing with the rock, and I’ll be back like Independence Day with Jesus June 6. Like the movie, big mother ship and all, I’ll be back.”

James D. French mug shot

6. James D. French

Killed cellmate to get the death penalty, originally behind bars for murder and kidnapping.

“Hey fellas! How about this for a headline for tomorrow’s paper? ‘French Fries’!”

5. Carl Panzram

Killed at least 21 victims and raped over 1,000 men.

“Hurry up, you Hoosier bastard, I could kill 10 men while you’re fooling around.”

4. Tom “Black Jack” Ketchum

The number of killings is unclear, but he eventually was hanged for his role in a train robbery.

“I’ll be in Hell before you start breakfast, boys. Let her rip.”

3. Israel Keyes

Allegedly killed eight people before his death.

“… open your trembling flowers or your petals I’ll crush.”

Ángel Reséndiz

Photo by: FBI

FBI

Ángel Reséndiz

2. Ángel Reséndiz AKA The Railroad Killer

Confessed to killing nine victims, responsible for up to 15 murders.

“… I know I allowed the Devil to rule my life … I deserve what I am getting.”

John Wayne Gacy mug shot

Photo by: Des Plaines Police Department

Des Plaines Police Department

John Wayne Gacy mug shot

1. John Wayne Gacy

Killed 33 boys and young men.

“Kiss my ass!”

Watch Now:

Read more: Ranker, Buzz Feed

Next Up

Why Are So Many Serial Killers Born In November? Bundy, Manson & More

Welcome to November, the month when, according to some studies, serial killers and mass murderers are most likely to be born.

5 Facts You May Not Know About Infamous Serial Killer Ted Bundy

From his chilling childhood to his explosive execution, go inside the twisted world of the notorious serial killer.

Infamous Canadian Couple Known As 'The Ken & Barbie Killers' Videotaped Their Crimes

Canadians Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka were arrested for slaying schoolgirls in the early ‘90s, including her teenage sister.

Police Release Video of Long Island Serial Killer Victim in Her Final Hours

Over a decade after the remains of 11 people were found along a Long Island beach, police released new surveillance video of one of the victims shortly before meeting her killer.

Over Four Decades Later, Serial Killer Confesses To Murdering Teen On Spring Break In 1980

In March 1980, teen Carol Ann Barrett was kidnapped from the Daytona Beach motel room she shared with her friends on Spring Break. After over 40 years, the murder was solved when serial killer Billy Mansfield, Jr. confessed to her murder.

Remains Of Jane Doe Identified As 15-Year-Old Arizona Girl Missing Since 1992

Investigators are looking into if the teenager could have fallen victim to a serial killer.

Suspected Texas Serial Killer Taunted Police, May Have Committed Multiple Unsolved Murders, Cops Say

Before his May 2023 arrest, police say Raul Meza Jr. “was ready and prepared to kill again, and he was looking forward to it.”

A Rural Oregon Identity Theft Case Took A Dark, Hard Turn

Officers investigating the fraudulent use of a food benefits card made a horrifying discovery at a Jackson County, Oregon pig farm.

How ‘Serial, Psychosexual, Thrill Killer’ Michael Gargiulo Got Caught

The convicted murderer, dubbed the “Hollywood Ripper”, “watched and waited” for the opportunity to stab his female neighbors, prosecutors say.