Last meals: weird requests on death row

Prisoners on America's death row are traditionally allowed anything they would like to eat for their last meal before they are executed. Here are some of the more unusual requests submitted to prison staff.



Thomas J Grasso: mussels and SpaghettiOs

Grasso was executed in 1995 for using Christmas tree lights to strangle an 85-year-old woman. His bizarre last meal request was for two dozen steamed mussels, two dozen steamed clams, a Burger King double cheeseburger, six barbecued spare ribs, two large milkshakes, a tin of SpaghettiOs with meatballs, half a pumpkin pie and strawberries and cream.

Unfortunately for him, the length or complexity of his list seemed to confuse kitchen staff who made one crucial mistake. Grasso's last words were: "I did not get my SpaghettiOs, I got spaghetti. I want the press to know this.”

Robert Buell: a single black olive

Buell was sentenced to death for the murder and sexual assault of an 11-year-old, Krista Harrison, in 1982. Buell insisted he was innocent despite being sentenced to 121 years in prison for other rape charges.

His last meal request was for a single black olive with the seed removed.

Gerald Lee Mitchell: a bag of Jolly Ranchers

Mitchell was convicted of murdering a man who would not hand over a necklace he wanted, and was also accused of robbing and shooting two men in a drug deal.

His last meal may not have been nutritious but was certainly colourful: a bag of Jolly Rancher sweets in assorted flavours.

James Edward Smith: a lump of dirt

James Smith was executed in June 1990 for murder and robbery in Houston, Texas.

For his last meal, Smith requested dirt, allegedly so that he could carry out a voodoo ritual. His wish was not granted, however, because dirt was not included on the list of foods approved by the prison system. He settled for yogurt.

Odell Barnes Jr: world peace
One of the hardest requests for catering staff to deliver came from Odell Barnes Jr, who had robbed, beaten and stabbed a woman in her own home in 1989.

Unfortunately for Barnes, and the entire world, prison officers rejected his final request for a serving of justice, equality and world peace.