A death row inmate at Mississippi State Penitentiary made headlines for ordering an astonishing 29,000-calorie meal as his final request before execution. Gary Carl Simmons Jr., convicted of a gruesome 1996 murder, indulged in an extravagant feast that has reignited discussions about the ethics of last meal requests.
What Did the Mississippi Inmate Eat?
Simmons’ final meal included:
- Two large pizzas with various toppings, including double mushrooms, jalapeños, and Italian sausage.
- A bucket of fried chicken.
- A family-sized pack of nacho cheese-flavored Doritos.
- Ten 8-ounce packs of Parmesan cheese and ranch dressing.
- Two large strawberry milkshakes.
- Two 20-ounce cherry Cokes.
- A large portion of fries with extra ketchup and mayonnaise.
- Two pints of strawberry ice cream.
Reports reveal Simmons managed to consume roughly half of this meal before his execution on June 20, 2012.
Why Mississippi Allows Last Meal Requests
Mississippi, like many other states, grants death row inmates the opportunity to request a final meal. This tradition is often seen as a small gesture of humanity, but it has also faced criticism for its perceived wastefulness and lack of relevance in modern justice systems.
Simmons’ case stands out due to the sheer size and caloric content of his final meal, which was far beyond typical requests. The practice of granting such requests varies, with some states capping meal costs or limiting options to food available in the prison kitchen.
The Crime Behind the Controversy
Gary Carl Simmons Jr., dubbed “The Butcher,” was convicted for the brutal murder of 21-year-old Jeffrey Wolfe. Simmons dismembered Wolfe’s body using his skills as a grocery store butcher and kidnapped Wolfe’s girlfriend during the crime. After spending 15 years on death row, Simmons was executed by lethal injection at the Mississippi State Penitentiary.
The Ongoing Debate Over Last Meal Requests
Simmons’ extravagant request has reignited debates about the ethics and practicality of last meal traditions. Critics argue that such practices are outdated and unnecessary, while supporters maintain they offer a final act of compassion to those facing execution.
As Mississippi and other states continue to grapple with the complexities of the death penalty, cases like Simmons’ bring renewed attention to the symbolic yet controversial tradition of last meal requests.