Dead Man Walking (1995) Edit

A grown man goin' to his death in a diaper and slippers!

A life sentence in a Louisiana prison is for real.

A man's gonna be killed in front of me tomorrow.

A regular Ma Barker or somethin'.

A suit?

A tax lawyer who'd never tried a capital case before. An amateur.

A trial, a retrial for sentencin',

About when Jesus was facin' death alone that you might wanna check out.

Admirin' Hitler and wantin' to come back as a terrorist and blow people up!

Ain't nobody with money on death row.

Ain't you gonna ask me what I done?

All right. Do you have any objection to my asking the warden for his opinion?

All right. Goodbye.

All right. My turn. My turn.

All right. There is some good news.

All the memories, get sealed in a place.

All they ask of you is simple justice for their unbearable loss.

And a guard came into my cell with a chef's hat on.

And after that he was all for it.

And drive her to Baton Rouge for induction.

And experience tells us that music stirs up emotion.

And Fields says I'm lookin' for a loophole.

And fished Hope's jaw out,

And gently wipe every tear from our eyes. Amen.

And get up with a sick child in the middle of the night.

And her buried in the ground and dead for ever.

And Hilton and I are meeting with the governor this evening.

And I hear all the kids laughin' and I'm sittin' in my room,

And not think that maybe we needed you too?

And on the day of his execution you're gonna have to spend all day with him.

And one charge of aggravated ****.

And proceed with the execution of Matthew Poncelet.

And ****d... and killed them.

And she was fallin' for the old Matt charm.

And she was gone, out the door.

And she's got big arms to hold you,

And shot No. 3 stops his heart.

And smirked when the jury found him guilty of murder today.

And so they had to kill Jesus.

And that's me!

And the results were inconclusive.

And then for one brief moment we thought, well,

And those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves.

And told how I tried to help him and everything.

And what did you say?

And what happened to your son.

And you can be sure Matthew Poncelet wouldn't be here today, before you,

And you live in St. Thomas projects? I don't know who's crazier, you or me.

And you want to hold the poor murderer's hand?

Annunciations are common. Incarnations are rare.

Any word from the Fifth Circuit?

Anyway, thanks for writin'.

Are you familiar with the Old Testament? Thou shalt not kill.

Are you up to this?

As she was about to leave, the hem of her skirt was comin' out and I...

Asking for his life.

At first they couldn't find this class pin she was wearin'

Attention all ye advocates of killers and child molesters,

Attorneys aren't exactly lining up for the job.

Bad luck.

Barring any last minute appeals or stays, Poncelet will die

Because I'm a person. Every person deserves respect.

Before shootin' this sweet girl two times in the back of the head.

Before the murders,

Best thing would be if they realized their own culpability

Bless us and console us

Both say the other did the actual killing. Somebody's lyin' to somebody.

Boy, that's good.

Burned them alive in public squares.

But a full heart shouldn't follow an empty head.

But don't bring it up before the pardon board.

But he was on the right track about the Aryan race.

But I didn't kill 'em.

But I didn't think so. Sit down.

But I haven't been able to get you and your wife out of my mind.

But I'd take a kind word or a visit.

But now...

But slavery's long over. They always sayin' what a bad deal they got.

But unless there's some clear, striking evidence for innocence,

But we knew that she was just too sensible a girl to do that.

But why are you visiting with murderers?

But you have a dignity now. Nobody can take that from you.

But you see, shot No. 1 relaxes those muscles so we don't see any horror show.

But, Sister, this is an evil man.

But...

But... I've never been involved in anything like this before.

By getting him to receive the sacraments of the Church before he dies.

Call it special motivation. I been on death row six years.

Call me sentimental, but I'd rather see him fry.

Called me a son of you know whats a lot of times. Never no son of God.

Can he have a jacket or somethin'? He's cold.

Can I please speak with you?

Can we talk about somethin' else?

Can you give me the name of that lawyer you wanted me to talk to?

Celebrating one of life's turning points.

Clothes. I guess... a suit.

Clyde Percy wants to inject me hisself!

Come on, Helen. Hit it!

Come on.

Come on. Let's go.

Comin' across as a crazed, animal, Nazi, racist, mad dog who deserves to die.

Cos a mother's arms are strong when her child's in danger.

Could you do that? She'd fall apart on 'em.

Could you tell Matt what happened, please?

Could you write to him? He could use some friendly words.

Courts don't wanna hear appeals on death penalty cases.

Dead man walkin'!

Dear Sister Helen,

Did it hurt when you got all those?

Did you go in cos Mama told you to or cos you were scared?

Did you look up to Vitello? Did you think he was cool?

Did you **** her?

Did you read anythin' about Jesus in that Bible?

Did you take care of that lie detector test yet?

Did you wanna impress him?

Didn't have money for representation, so he took what the State gave him.

Disposable human waste suckin' up tax dollars.

Do you ever think about those kids?

Do you ever think about what you and Vitello did to their parents?

Do you have any last words, Poncelet?

Do you know what this man has done?

Do you know what you're gettin' into?

Do you take responsibility for both of their deaths?

Do you want me to get a message to your daughter?

Does he admit to what he did? Is he sorry?

Doesn't shake.

Don't cry, Mama. Don't cry.

Don't cry, Mama. I don't wanna see no cryin'.

Don't cry, Mama. I'll call you later.

Don't give up hope, Matt.

Don't people in your neighborhood need your help?

Don't you miss havin' a man?

Don't you think it'll always eat at her, wonderin' if she could have saved you?

Don't you wanna get married, fall in love, have sex?

Earl, are you goin' in?

Emotion that can produce an unexpected reaction in the inmate.

Except my boots from Marion. I want to walk to my execution in these boots.

Execution will be carried out as scheduled one week hence.

Fat chance he's gonna do anything. Risk his political butt for me?

Father, all I want is to play a hymn for Matt before his execution.

Five, four, three,

For adultery, prostitution, homosexuality,

For all the energy that you're putting into them,

For I have redeemed thee.

For more and more humane ways of killing people we didn't like.

For there is no authority except from God.

For you to flout authority will only encourage them to do the same.

For you to wear the habit might help instill respect.

Get outta the car!

Get tough on judges who pass light sentences.

Get tough on sentencin'. Get tough on lenient parole boards.

Gimme my boots! I want my boots!

Go ahead.

Go on and finish up, Sister.

God have mercy on your soul,

God knows the truth about me.

Gonna sleep in that tent tonight?

Got one guy that comes down every 15 minutes just to see if I killed myself.

Got one guy that comes down every 15 minutes just to see if I killed myself.

Had been just two happy people

Hah!

Happy Easter.

Hartman says there won't be any more media interviews.

Have a seat in that chair.

He asked me to be his spiritual adviser, to be with him when he dies.

He bust his chin on the arm of that sofa right there.

He has the power to stop this execution and save a man's life.

He keeps pushin' me away.

He killed them.

He needs help, but the best thing is to bring him to you.

He needs help, Sister.

He sat with Hope... the week before they died.

He started to roll me in breadcrumbs,

He was older and tough as hell.

He would do something useful like bombing government buildings.

He...

He'd been against the death penalty.

He'd spent the night at our house

He'll be an hour, Sister. Why don't you get some air?

He's a very religious man.

He's never gonna see his daughter again.

He's on his deathbed and a friend comes and sees him readin' the Bible.

He's one of them turn the other cheek guys.

He's only served six.

He's worried. He wants to protect you.

Helen.

Helen. Helen.

Help him stay strong. Help me, Jesus, stay strong. Help us, Lord.

Help us stay strong. Help me.

Henry, how close are we on the supreme court docket?

Her room was empty and the bed was still neatly made.

Hey, Mama. I'm waitin' to talk to you.

Hey, Troy. You take care of Mama, OK? All right, little man?

Hey, y'all! Havin' a party! Palmer.

Hey! What you doin' grabbing the phone?

Hey...

Hi.

Hilton Barber, Bishop Norwich.

His face just goes to sleep. Inside, his organs are going through Armageddon.

His lawyer thinks it'd be a good idea if you were there.

His pardon board hearing is this Wednesday.

Hope had just graduated from high school in early May.

How about you, Troy? Got yourself a little girlfriend?

How can you sit by Poncelet's side

How can you spend all your time worryin' about Poncelet

How do you know Mattie?

How is it possible one guy gets life, the other death?

How many prison guards and prisoners do they have to kill before it's over?

How tall is he?

I ain't gonna get into no Bible quotin' with no nun, cos I'm gonna lose.

I ain't gonna kiss ass in front of these people. I ain't gonna kiss nobody's ass.

I ain't gonna let 'em break me.

I ain't got no love for the US government.

I ain't heard from you. You ain't fadin' out on me, are you, Sister?

I ain't lookin' for no loophole.

I ain't much of a Bible reader, but I pick it up from time to time.

I ain't no victim.

I ain't whinin'. I ain't sittin' on no porch going Slavery, slavery.

I almost ripped it up. She turned me in. Called the cops.

I also found a funeral home willing to donate their services.

I am simply curious. Helen, what has drawn you to this?

I appreciate everythin' you and the others done for me.

I appreciate you tryin' to save me.

I ask you to take a breath, steel your spine

I ask your forgiveness for what I done.

I asked him to go to the funeral home and make an ID from dental records.

I believe the Pope said distinctive clothing, not habits.

I can't bear the thought of him bein' a free man

I can't believe I failed it.

I can't believe that test didn't come out right.

I come from a good family. My family can't be blamed for nothin'.

I could have grabbed his gun. I could have shot Poncelet right there.

I could have killed him on that day. I wished I would have.

I didn't have the guts to stand up to him.

I didn't kill nobody. Carl went crazy on me.

I didn't know this was comin'. They set a date.

I didn't know you needed a lawyer to get a pardon board hearing.

I didn't sleep at all last night.

I didn't take that nerve medicine they wanted to give me.

I didn't.

I don't get many letters or visitors.

I don't know any victims in my area. I know some decent, hard workin' people.

I don't know why I'm here.

I don't know.

I don't know.

I don't know.

I don't know. I think he's... kinda big.

I don't think so.

I don't wanna be buried here.

I don't wanna talk about that.

I don't want her there. She'll bust out cryin' till she can't say nothin'.

I feel caught more than drawn.

I feel like a fool.

I felt all right answerin' them questions. I didn't feel no stress.

I get real angry and say He's not dead yet.

I got a lot of hate. I don't have your faith.

I got a note from my mama, Idella.

I got an ace. I'm really lucky.

I got my last words. I know what to say to the Percys and the Delacroixs.

I got my own copy. But if you ain't gonna help me, I don't wanna waste 'em.

I got this at Goodwill.

I guess they was worried they wouldn't find a vein in my arm.

I had a dream that I was about to be fried in the chair

I had a lovin' family, a lot of support. I felt obliged to give some of it back.

I had lots of girls in high school.

I had to take back that phone. You were tryin' to steal my gal.

I had two families. Both of 'em I'd live and die for.

I hadn't slept in two nights. I was outta my head.

I have called thee by thy name.

I have close friends men and women.

I just couldn't bear the thought of them buryin' that body

I just don't see the sense in killing people to say killing's wrong.

I just hope my death can give them parents some relief.

I just keep... tryin' to figure out what I done wrong.

I just let it flow.

I just need something to eat.

I just pray God holds up my legs on that last walk.

I just thought you should know.

I just told 'em, if I get a chance, I'd call right before I go.

I just wish I could laugh, find somethin' funny.

I just... wanted to come and see

I killed him.

I knew it had to be Hope.

I know a lot of lazy coloreds suckin' up tax dollars.

I know I'm on death row, but there's guys been here years and years.

I know Jesus died on the cross for us, and he's gonna take care of me

I know you're gonna be strong for your mama.

I like bein' alone with you.

I love you.

I made him come in. I was worried.

I met him on death row.

I met Poncelet face to face in the hallway during the trial.

I must carry out the laws and must submerge my own personal views

I need you to step into the corridor, Sister.

I never done that before.

I never had shrimp before. They're pretty good.

I pinned it for her with one of those tiny safety pins

I put it on there when I was in Marion.

I remember him from the news. Him and another fella

I said I'll take that one there with the pretty turkey on it.

I talked to Bishop Norwich. He said he would say the funeral mass.

I think it's gotta affect everybody that sees it,

I think me and Jesus have a different way of dealin' with things.

I think you should look at the Gospel of John, chapter eight, where Jesus said,

I thought of my first ex old lady.

I told my mama I was yellow.

I tried to last night.

I understand them parents, but they callin' for the wrong head.

I understand you were protesting outside the gates during the last execution.

I understand. I won't be offended.

I want you to be realistic about this.

I wanted them to see this picture.

I was a fuckin' chicken.

I was a victim.

I was just... boozin' up, tryin' to be as tough as him. I couldn't...

I was... I was small.

I went down to the police and filled out a missing person's form.

I went out there and I made him come in.

I went to see your mother.

I will not interfere with the process.

I wish I hadn't said all that shit about Hitler and bein' a terrorist.

I wish there was some way, some key into the past, to change it.

I would have told her how much I love her.

I would oppose it, but you may if you like.

I wrote the motion on the appeal, but I need somebody to file it.

I'd be a happier man today.

I'd be too.

I'd dance till three or four in the morning.

I'd do it myself if they'd let me, but they say...

I'd like it if y'all took it home with you.

I'll be right outside.

I'll be the face of love for you.

I'll be there.

I'll call you soon. Bye.

I'll check it out. I like that. The truth shall make you free. I like that.

I'll do it.

I'll do my best. And I appreciate your trust.

I'll get a private meeting.

I'll get you the lawyer. Just... try not to worry.

I'll tell you the truth, ma'am.

I'll think about it, but I got my pride.

I'm glad you're here.

I'm goin' to a better place. I'm not worried about nothin'.

I'm gonna give you my number and if there's anything that you need,

I'm gonna head out there right now.

I'm gonna want somebody to talk to, be there till the end.

I'm here to listen, and whatever you wanna talk about, that's fine.

I'm just tryin' to follow the example of Jesus,

I'm lookin' death in the eyes. I'm gettin' ready to go.

I'm not here for your amusement, Matthew. Show some respect.

I'm not sayin' goodbye now.

I'm not sure I wanna run into this guy on the street.

I'm out of my league. This is so surreal.

I'm pissed off!

I'm pretty special.

I'm pretty special. Have this place all to myself.

I'm really cold.

I'm really sorry for not comin' to visit with you and your wife before this.

I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry, Sister. Security reasons.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sure he's on his best behavior and must be pretty sympathetic to you.

I'm sure you've seen a side of Matt Poncelet that none of us has seen.

I'm tryin' to stay conscious.

I'm tryin'...

I'm Walter Delacroix's father.

I've been tryin' to call you but there's been no answer.

I've just lost my child.

I've never experienced sexual intimacy, but there's other ways of being close.

I've studied every law book I can get my hands on.

If anyone sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed.

If he accepts that,

If I could help y'all and pray with you.

If I had an allergic reaction

If I only had someone to believe in me.

If I'd known that,

If I'd put my arms around my boy, I'd never have let go.

If Matt dies, guess who he'll be buried next to.

If only I knew I would die right away with the first shot. Will I feel it?

If that had been a king, you could have gone back over again.

If the governor and the courts turn us down,

If you do die... as your friend, I wanna help you die with dignity.

If you don't like it, find another lawyer to volunteer his time.

If you need any help, please feel free to call on me.

If you wanna be alone, or be just with your family today,

Imagine that poor guy. Bought two rabbits a year ago and now he's overrun.

In case somebody killed me, they could identify my body.

In case somebody killed me, they could identify my body.

In that love seat right there,

In the back of the head with a .22 rifle.

In the death of a man.

In the Shreveport Times,

In this century, we've searched

In your letter you say you work with poor people.

Is a wish for their peace.

Is it you?

Is my mama all right?!

Is some convicted killer tellin' them they is bunk.

Is that the machine they use after an execution?

Is that what you think?

It didn't have to happen.

It figures I'd have to die to find love.

It had nothin' to do with that guy.

It is six years since the brutal murders of Hope Percy and Walter Delacroix.

It is the finding of this board that clemency be denied to Matthew Poncelet.

It said Class of '88. Making a difference.

It tears me up.

It was a terrible thing I done in taking your son away from you.

It was big.

It was somethin' that you said. I coulda walked away.

It's a long drive from Slidell.

It's a tough road.

It's about time the State got with the program.

It's always a good sign when you have to wait.

It's easy for someone to come in here and make a rash judgment on procedure.

It's hard not to get soft in this cell. I press my footlocker,

It's hard to have sympathy for them when they want to kill me.

It's just part of the job. These prisoners get what's comin' to 'em.

It's not an easy job.

It's not faith. I wish it were that easy.

It's somethin' you miss, ma'am.

It's terrible what happened to them kids.

It's the last vestige of the divine right of kings.

It's the only way we can be sure that they will not kill again.

It's the wait, it's the countdown that gets to you.

It's up to you. You want me to go, you say so.

It's work.

Jesus also said He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword.

Jesus changed the world with his love. You watched while two kids were killed.

Just don't let him fall apart, God.

Just part of the job, you know. Let's get you up and put some food in you.

Just take care that others don't take advantage of it. I'd hate to see that.

Justice is long past due.

Kids picking on 'em, beating 'em up, calling 'em names.

Kids picking on 'em, beating 'em up, calling 'em names.

Kinda like me, huh?

Ladies and gentlemen, let's be honest.

Last night. Late.

Let's face it.

Let's go.

Let's talk about what happened. Let's talk about that night.

Lethal injection.

Life without parole. Oh, sure!

Like a... fast choke.

Like a... shrine.

Like Castro. Hitler might have gone overboard with the killin' stuff,

Like my new digs?

Like WC Fields read his Bible.

Listen, Matt, I want you to know that I respect your need for privacy.

Listen, Sister.

Look at the time. It's been flyin'.

Look at you.

Look for a loophole.

Look me in the eye.

Look. I want the last thing you see in this world... to be a face of love.

Look... They're about to go on a killin' spree here.

Ma'am, ain't no tellin'.

Made 'em realize their own worth.

Madrigal Parmelee. Oh, she was hot!

Makes me wanna sleep.

Mama, I don't know.

Mama, that ain't what happened.

Mama's friends read an article which associated your name with Poncelet.

Man... Was the dude sure? Absolutely, positively sure?

Matt...

Matt's gonna be dead in six days.

Matthew Poncelet is God's mistake.

Matthew Poncelet is not a good boy. He is a heartless killer.

Matthew Poncelet.

Matthew Poncelet.

Matthew Poncelet's here today because he's poor.

Mattie had a hard life, but he was a good boy.

May almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

May the love of God and the peace of our dear Lord Jesus Christ

Maybe I'm weird to have dreams like that, but your mind does funny things

Maybe our sisters will donate one of their burial plots.

Maybe the best thing you can give to the Percys and the Delacroixs

Maybe they'd run off and gotten married or somethin'.

Maybe they'll help you get ahold of things faster.

Maybe...

Me and Carl were loaded on downs, acid and booze when this happened.

Me and God, we got our thing squared away.

Me and my buddy Paul put up the tent, cooked our own dinner.

Me and my lady friends, we'd grab a bottle, some weed...

Mm.

Morbid fascination? Bleedin' heart sympathy?

Most folks that lose a kid split up.

Most of your kids in the project are raised by single parents.

Mr. And Mrs. Percy, I hope my death gives you some relief.

Mr. Delacroix, forgive me for intrudin',

Mr. Delacroix, I'm sorry about your son.

Mr. Delacroix.

Mr. Delacroix...

Mr. Percy, I've never done this before. I'm...

Mrs. Poncelet, please.

My Bible.

My boys are havin' a real hard time at school.

My daddy took me to a bar when I was 12 and told me to pick my whiskey.

My daddy was a good man. Sharecropper. Hard worker.

My daughter's body was nude, legs spread eagled.

My daughter's killer can possibly get out on parole in another year.

My kid needed to hold her daddy's hand.

My lawyer seems to have disappeared.

My mama said it was that Vitello.

My name is Sister Helen Prejean. I know your son Matthew.

My name... my family name dies with me.

My parents raised me to respect the religious.

My poor mama.

My white family, the Aryan brotherhood.

My wife and I had a big fight.

Nah, you just have more color on your body than I thought.

Never been this close to a murderer?

Never gave a ticket to no nun before.

Never had so many people carin' about what I was doin'.

Never hold her, love her, laugh with her.

Never loved a woman or anybody else much good.

Never thought I'd be visitin' with no nun.

Next day they wait their chance, get ahold of our bikes, tear 'em up.

Next morning we waited for her to come out of that door.

****** on the gurney before me. I hope they clean it before they put me on it.

Nine, eight, seven, six,

No Jimmy Cagney I'm wrongly accused.

No more bars, no more cells, no more life in a cage!

No one in my family seems able to make the trip out here. I understand.

No, I take that back. Animals don't **** and murder their own kind.

No, Matt... Not at all like you.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No. She'd have to hear the Delacroixs, the Percys, the DA.

Nobody ever called me no son of God before.

None of these guys on the row can afford attorneys for appeals.

None yet. That's a good sign.

Not that I know of.

Now I'm famous.

Now tell the truth.

Now we have developed a device that is the most humane of all.

Now, if Matthew had himself some money,

Numerous appeals to state and federal courts

Oh, God, help me. This is such a terrifyin' place, Lord.

Oh, Lord.

Oh, Lord.

Oh, Matt. I'm sorry.

Oh, Matt...

Oh, please don't kill him.

Oh, yeah.

Oh... It's so bizarre.

OK?

OK.

OK. Let's go in the kitchen. I'll make us some coffee.

OK. This is Sister Helen Prejean.

OK... OK, Matthew.

On Friday night, Walter Delacroix, age 17, and Hope Percy, 18,

On June 15th, the recruiting sergeant was to meet Hope in Slidell

On Thursday, June 20th,

One's opinion of the death penalty is not the issue here.

Or an empty stomach.

Or is it braggin'?

Or the Percys to hear our side?

Our baby was leavin' home.

Our hearts sank when they told us that Walter hadn't come home that night too.

Our sisters haven't worn the habit for 20 years, Father.

People are thinkin' you're some kind of a nut.

Pissed off at myself for lettin' Vitello do it.

Pleasure, Bishop. Here's the situation.

Politics did play a big part in this,

Poncelet and Vitello also face six counts of aggravated kidnapping

Poncelet claims Vitello killed both of them.

Poncelet has to understand that Jesus died for his sins.

Poncelet says that if he had to do it all over again,

Poncelet.

Praise Jesus.

Proves upon examination to have solid reasoning and experience behind it.

Purcell had it coming to him. He had it coming!

Put 'em in boxes. Called Goodwill.

Rain, rain, rain.

****d the girl, stabbed her several times.

Really?

Reconciliation is his and his soul shall have eternal life.

Redemption isn't a free admission ticket you get because Jesus paid the price.

Remember when that sweet little girl came to introduce her husband to us?

Rice, potatoes, pancakes, beans.

Ride along into the sunset with me.

Rules say they can stay till 6:45.

Saw you outside the gates the other night at Purcell's execution.

Sealed.

See you later, Matt.

Sharing your dreams, your thoughts, your feelings.

She ain't so little, though.

She almost got out of Slidell.

She don't live here. Who is it?

She got that big old bad joker and she don't wanna put it down.

She kept sayin' It wasn't you, Matt. It wasn't you. It wasn't you.

She liked to travel and loved being around people of different cultures.

She said she'd appear at the pardon board hearing if you want her to.

She says she wants to put the past behind her.

She says she... has to move on in her life.

She should have the opportunity to speak for her child.

She used to be a ball.

She was born when I was first in prison. I seen her once.

She was hopin' to get stationed overseas.

She was only on the phone a few minutes

She was to join the air force on June 15th.

She wept a river, poor woman.

She... took Walter's clothes out of his closet.

She'd always regret that I got involved with him.

She's fine, Matt.

She's gonna be lyin' next to a man for all eternity.

She's in Texas somewhere. Foster parents.

Shot two children in the back of the head on a lovers' lane.

Should thou pass through the sea, I shall be with thee.

Shouldn't you be teachin' children?

Sister Celestine said I'm glad I'll never have to share my bed with a man.

Sister Clement and I sang

Sister Helen, I got another letter from that guy.

Sister Helen? Chaplain Farley called. He's at the gate. He'll be right here.

Sister, I don't trust nobody in here.

Sister, I think you need to leave this house right now.

Sister, I'm a Catholic.

Sister, I'm gonna let this one slide.

Sister, let me get you some food. Then we'll send you home.

Sister, please step into the corridor.

Sister... Can I ask you a question?

So cold. So calculated, this murder.

So I called my brother. He's a dentist.

So I could use some help on the legal end,

So I got two chances: The pardon board or the federal appeals court.

So I pass that lie detector test, I'm home free.

So I telephoned the Delacroixs.

So it's lazy people you don't like.

So they won't let me play it.

So this is the end, huh? My death house vacation.

So what did he say? What's the word on the lie detector test?

So what do you want?

So what do you want? Mattie send you for money, for cigarettes?

So what is it, Sister?

So what made you change your mind?

So you look at me when they do this thing.

So you stand there waiting for the light at the end of the road.

So, you've put in a request to be the spiritual adviser to Matthew Poncelet.

Some clothing and a wallet. They turned them in to the police.

Some people ask about your funeral.

Some times.

Some.

Somebody to do the burial service.

Someone put a dead squirrel in my little Troy's locker.

Someone read some of Poncelet's racist comments. Your name was in the article.

Sometimes I feel like a sow that's being fattened up for a Christmas slaughter.

Sometimes on Sundays when I smell the neighborhood barbecues

Step back from the door, Sister!

Stupid!

Suicide watch.

Sure.

Sure. I'll come up after the class.

Talked to each of the boys. I hate saying goodbye.

Thank God we're off the electric chair. It's easier to take the needle.

Thank you for lovin' me.

Thank you for writin' to me. I'm writin' from my home, my six by eight foot cell.

Thank you, Father.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. And thank you for your time.

Thanks be to God.

Thanks for comin', ma'am.

Thanks for invitin' me, Mr. Delacroix.

Thanks, Matt.

That boy...

That evening about five, she dressed and headed off to work at Coreys

That I would.

That is what you have given them.

That they'll get an accurate result.

That you're never gonna see them alive again.

That's a bad sign. They already executed one black Tobias.

That's a hard question to answer. It's like asking you why you're a convict.

That's as far as you go, Sister.

That's bein' intimate too.

That's cruel.

That's gotta hurt.

That's life!

That's never been proven.

That's not what it was, Mama. That's not what it was.

That's private information.

That's right. Each petition takes hours to prepare.

That's the day it happened.

That's the one thing I got from him workin' hands.

That's what my mind told me, you know, but I... just had to be sure.

That's what some people are sayin' with you defendin' this murderer.

The Bible also asks for death as a punishment

The coroner's report said that her vagina was all tore up.

The couple was shot twice at close range

The DA's office treated us like we were the criminals.

The day before I took her shoppin' for things she'd need.

The death penalty. It's nothing new. Been with us for centuries.

The federal appeals court turned you down.

The friend says WC, you don't believe in God. Why are you reading the Bible?

The government shouldn't...

The governor runs for re election so they set a date for my execution.

The guards are takin' bets on who's next. I'm at even odds. It's not good.

The guys in the bar laughed their butts off. We got drunk as coots that night.

The justice system in this country failed me. It stinks bad.

The last that she ever heard from me,

The last thing they wanna hear

The lawyer raised one objection the entire trial.

The man that's giving the test has serious doubts

The man's in trouble and, for some reason, I'm the only one he trusts.

The men allegedly had cut a path of terror across the area.

The muscles of his face would twist and contort and pull,

The police wouldn't let us identify the body.

The resident counselor wants us at their meeting tomorrow. Can you be there?

Then I come back and you were gone. I spent the day alone.

Then ****d Hope Percy and stabbed her 17 times

Then what? Go on.

Then you and I have somethin' in common.

There are some passages in there

There are spaces of sorrow only God can touch.

There has been no doubt in the court's mind about who did the murder.

There was a sheriff standin' pretty close by me.

There wasn't anybody in the woods to comfort Hope

There will be no grandchildren.

There will be no more Delacroixs, Sister. No more.

There's a woman standin' there in the dark

There's no romance here, Sister.

There's no way he's gettin' off. He was there. He was an accomplice.

There's talk in the neighborhood.

There's this lawyer, Hilton Barber. He's aware of the case and told me no.

These men don't see many females.

These murders were calculated, disgusting and cruel.

These people are mad dogs. Maniacs.

They don't let visitors eat in the death house. They must think we feed on air.

They found the kids' bodies on Friday, six days after they'd gone missin'.

They gonna kill me. I'm innocent.

They got ten guards guardin' me.

They got ten guards guardin' me.

They have a rule you can't have music in the prison.

They have been ploughed over by life. He first got in trouble when he was 15.

They just walked for miles and nothin'.

They keep us away from the general population of the prison.

They knock each other off like beer cans off a fence.

They said it would be too traumatic.

They said they'd call Mama and ask her about the funeral arrangements.

They shaved the calf of my leg.

They started makin' up their own verses, singin' Someone's escapin', my Lord...

They tell me I can have a spiritual adviser of my choice.

They think you care more about him than your classes.

They took me into that little room. They was measurin' me...

They was all around when I was a kid. Lived around me.

They were becomin' so powerful that the guys on the top got real nervous