Execution Report: John Satterwhite

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Sharon Bell was convicted of aggravated robbery and sentenced to 20 years in prison. She served seven years and was paroled in 1986. She was discharged from parole in March 1999, upon the completion of her sentence.

In 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court removed Satterwhite's death sentence because he was not allowed to visit with a lawyer before taking a psychiatric test. Results of the test were used to show the jury that he was a continuing threat to society, which is an essential factor in death penalty sentences. Satterwhite was tried and given the death penalty again. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected his appeal of this sentence in June.

In a recent death-row interview with Michael Graczyk of the Associated Press, Satterwhite was evasive about his role in the killing. "I wouldn't say I'm totally innocent." Satterwhite said. "I'm guilty of some things." When asked about Davis' murder, he replied, "There's a possibility I could be the person that did it. ... I can't say I did or didn't." He claimed he was discriminated against because he was male, whereas Bell was not convicted of capital murder because she was female.

As the hour of his execution approached, Satterwhite decided to elaborate on his feelings to the media. Prison officials generally allow a condemned inmate a few final telephone calls to relatives on the afternoon of his execution. Satterwhite used this time to call the Associated Press and asked to speak again with Graczyk. He said, "What I want to say is, I have remorse and I'm really sorry about what happened to that family." He also spoke kindly of the prison chaplain and said, "I'm at peace."

At his execution, Satterwhite declined to make a final statement. He was pronounced dead at 6:29 p.m.

By David Carson. Posted on 23 August 2000.
Sources: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Associated Press, Huntsville Item.