Wallace Wilkerson

Wallace Wilkerson (1843-1879) was an American Mormon convicted of Murder.

As a Mormon, Wilkerson was subjected to verbal abuse by bartender William Baxter, who allegedly referred to Wilkerson as a "California Mormon", and once fired at him in order to break up a fight between Wilkerson and another patron.

On the 11th of June 1877, Baxter entered a bar and met Wilkerson, who started an argument with Baxter, accusing him of cheating at cards. Baxter tried to back out, but Wilkerson pulled out a gun and shot him in the head. He then fled the scene.

Wilkerson was captured shortly afterwards, and pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder. On November 28th, Wilkerson was found guilty and sentenced to death by firing squad. He appealed his sentence on the grounds that the death penalty was inhumane, but his appeal was denied.

On May 15th 1897, Wilkerson arrived at Provo jail, where he was forced to face a firing squad. Wilkerson stated that he bore no grudge against anyone except a prosecution witness, who he accused of perjury. The squad fired at Wilkerson, who fell to the ground... then began screaming "My God! They missed!". He was still alive, as the firing squad missed his heart. Those present had to watch him for 27 minutes until he finally died from blood loss.