NORTH CAROLINA LAST MEAL
WILLIE BROWN, JR.
April 21, 2006

...how you ever noticed how many Jrs. are executed?...plus...the first execution to use brain monitoring...plus,....well...that's it....

Last Meal: Brown’s last meal was a well-done T-bone steak, rice, four rolls with butter and a piece German chocolate cake.

The skinny: Brown was executed for the murder of a woman during a robbery of a Zip Mart.

More skinny: The woman was taken from the store and found the same day as the robbery lying facedown along a logging road after being shot six times.

Brown, who maintained his innocence, was convicted of murder and armed robbery.

Legal Machinations: Brown’s execution was the first to include the use of a brainwave monitor to measure an inmate’s level of consciousness during an execution. The state used the monitor, at the request of federal Judge Malcolm Howard, to ensure Brown would not experience pain during his execution. Howard had threatened to halt the execution if the state didn't convince him that Brown could be sedated if he shows signs of awakening, but allowed the execution after the state purchased the monitor.

Experts had criticized the state's proposal because it requires medical professionals to participate in executions in violation of their professional ethics and their roles as caregivers.

Last words and such: Brown did not make a last statement.

After execution witnesses were seated, a white curtain used to block their view of Brown was opened about 1:50 a.m. After the curtain was drawn, Brown looked at his brother and sister through the window separating him from them.

Brown’s sister mouthed, “I love you,” and Brown nodded, indicating he understood her.

Just before 2 a.m., Brown turned to his sister and mouthed what appeared to be, “I love you.”

A curtain on the other side of Brown kept hidden from view a doctor and nurse who were required to be present for the execution.

Factoids: Brown was the....

14th murderer executed in U.S. in 2006
1018th murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
3rd murderer executed in North Carolina in 2006
42st murderer executed in North Carolina since 1976

At Central Prison, about 40 people protested and eight were arrested on trespassing charges.