The women behind the mugshots12 Aug. 2006
Whenever a young woman has been sentenced to death under FemEx, she is immediately taken to the nearest women’s prison. Upon arrival she poses for an obligatory mugshot. These pictures are needed by the justice system to verify and validate the identity of the inmate and the date of her incarceration, but they are more than mere tools – they are also the last pictures that these young women will ever pose for. In these young women’s ‘book of life’, this picture would be on the final page – the last testimony to their cruel fate, besides the death certificate that will be filled in after their execution.
Some of the girls put on a brave face, either out of defiance or because they know that this picture is their final legacy, while others let the desperation and sadness show. No matter what, each mugshot reveals a young woman whose life has gone wrong. In this report we take a look at some of the stories behind these sad and thought provoking pictures in the women's own words.
Jessica Owen, 27, California
Three convictions for prostitution
“My mother was a prostitute and I’m a prostitute. It’s what I do and I’m not ashamed of that. Actually I’m very good at it; just ask any one of my customers. I can’t believe they are actually going to execute me just for satisfying men. Is it really such a horrible crime to give pleasure to others? No, it can’t be true. It just can’t.”
Linda Moon, 21, Georgia
Two convictions for shoplifting and one for possession
“This can’t be happening to me! I’m only 19 years old! I don’t want to die, please, I really don’t want to die! I just nicked a few things from a 7-11 and got caught with a joint. It doesn’t mean that I’m a bad girl. I’m sorry for what I have done and I want to make up for it. Just give me a chance! Please, won’t you just give me a chance?”
Ruth Parker, 18, Texas
Two convictions for public drunkenness and one for indecent exposure
“I was at a frat party at the local college and I got very drunk. Some of the college guys wanted me to take off my clothes, and I did so because I wanted to fit in. I just wanted to be popular. I had no idea that it was illegal to be drunk and naked on the college premises. They told me that I’ll be executed within 30 days. I can’t believe that I have less then a month left! I’m only 18. My life has just started, and now it’s all over. It’s not fair!”
Britta Houston, 24, Nevada
Three convictions for prostitution
“Hi there, big boy, do you like what you see? I’m a pretty girl, right? Don’t you think it would be a shame to waste a sexy body like this? If you can get me out of here, I will bring you so much pleasure. I swear. I will be grateful for the rest of my life, and I will show that gratitude in any way that you would like. Help me, won’t you? I only did what I’m good at. Please help me, for fucks sake, I don’t want to die!”
Mona Goodyear, 25, Nebraska
Two convictions for prostitution and one for indecent exposure
“It really pissed me off that the judge called me a prostitute. I’m not fucking whore! I just like to party and sometimes things happen, you know? If you have fun with a guy, sometimes he will buy you stuff to show his appreciation. That has nothing to do with prostitution! I have to talk to a lawyer, but they won’t let me use the phone. They say I have no chance to appeal. What kind of a fucking police state are we living in? I’m not going to get executed. I just won’t take it!”
A few words from some of the unfortunate women that are now awaiting their execution on death row. According to the latest statistics, 245 women have been sentenced to death under FemEx. The first executions are scheduled for tomorrow. For the opponents of FemEx – and the unfortunate women who will be the first to feel the full consequences of this new law – time is running out.
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