After 5 decades and 600 executions, these are the last words on Texas’ death row

The last words of Texas' executed inmates are transcribed by hand and collected online.Justine Goode / NBC NewsU.S. newsAfter 5 decades and 600 executions, these are the last words on Texas’ death rowAn NBC News analysis of every final statement shows that some convey a readiness to die. Others are defiant. And many seek salvation.ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 20, 2026, 2:13 PM EDTBy Erik OrtizStrapped to a gurney, moments from death, prisoners in Texas’ execution chamber have been asked a solemn question for as long as the state has administered lethal injections: Do you have a last statement?Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Over five decades, hundreds have spoken, envisioning entry into heaven, begging for forgiveness and trying to reckon with their crimes. They’ve lashed out at the justice system, proclaimed their innocence and admonished the death penalty. They’ve expressed acceptance and urged the warden to carry on: “I’m ready.” “Send me home.” “Goodbye.”For people to end up on the state’s death row, a unanimous jury must find them guilty of capital murder — which involves aggravating factors, such as killing multiple victims or a law enforcement officer. The crimes of the executed have included the slayings of wives and children, store clerks and strangers. Those convicted include serial killers, bank robbers and avowed racists.Texas last week carried out its 600th execution. The state is unrivaled in its pursuit of capital punishment, accounting for more than a third of all executions nationwide since the Supreme Court ruled the death penalty constitutional in 1976.Since then, officials have preserved each and every prisoner’s final words.NBC News analyzed all of the last verbal and written statements, pulling them from Texas’ online database and categorizing common themes by hand. The statements show that across 50 years, little has changed in the way people on the row face their impen...