In the USA, when was the last time a millionaire was subjected to capital punishment (the death penalty)?

Question

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If you think it long ago, do you honestly think that, on the whole, millionaires almost never commit capital crimes, or is it more likely that they get lawyers who can get them acquitted?

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BIG SOLLY: The Menendez brothers are serving life terms without the possibility of parole.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyle_Menendez

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Answer 1

Two wealthy kids in the 1920's who killed that boy, to commit the perfect murder., thought they would actually get away with it, they didn't. And Nathan Leopold, and Richard Loeb , were defended by Clarence Darrow, and were sentenced to life in prison.
Of course, O.J. Simpson got off, and so did Robert Blake.
It seems. that those that have the money that talks, walks., or sit in Prison. No executions for the wealthy.
Clause von Bulow , injected his wife with insulin, to cause a heart attack, well it didn't, and she is in a coma, still. He was acquitted, and got to spend her money.! This happened back in 1980.
So it would seem, that they can commit horrendous crimes and get away with them, if history is any judge. At least the ones I found, or remember.

Answer 2

Honestly? They hire people for stuff like that...someone with cash, will either hire someone to do the deed, or be able to get good enough lawyers to be acquitted, or avoid the death penalty...hell, sometimes it's just moving out of the jurisdiction where they were caught.

This, however, still isn't an argument against the death penalty, but is just an indictment of the criminal court system. This also doesn't mean that the people on death row *don't* deserve to be there, just that those with enough money can avoid the same penalty.

Answer 3

Can't think of an example.

If you can afford a better lawyer, apparently you are entitled to catch an easy break.

No, I don't honestly think that, on the whole, millionaires almost never commit capital crimes.

Answer 4

Saddam Hussein.

I WIN


You can't claim Iraq is not the US - we've been occupying it for years.

If we stay in the Continental US, the Menendez brothers (Beverly Hills rich boys) come to mind. That was in my lifetime, so not so long ago.

If they retry Phil Spector, they may get him to walk the green mile...

Before I stop searching, I'd bet $20 that Scott Peterson was worth over $1 million, and he was convicted within 5 years.

Here's a multi-millionaire in NY facing execution for a double- murder:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CEFD6103FF93AA35750C0A96F958260

UPDATE: Mea Culpa on the Menendez brothers. I shot from the hip on that one. I guess I don't remember my High School years as well as I thought...

Answer 5

Juan Garza 2001 (of course he earned his millions in the drug cartel)
so maybe
Louis Buchalter 1944

There were a few in the early 1900's late 1800's

Answer 6

The death penalty does not apply to the worst crimes. It applies to defendents with the worst lawyers.

Answer 7

Johnny Cochran & OJ are the classic example..
Maybe God is letting OJ get his now?/

Answer 8

So you're saying people are PUNISHED for not having enough CAPITAL, eh?

Answer 9

Damn this one is hard to find. I'm betting they hired others to do their dirty work for them. Great conspiracy question!

Answer 10

They get better lawyers.