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Why a Death Row Prisoner Requested Just a Single Olive for His Last Meal

The then-U.S. President, John F. Kennedy, had refused to overturn the convict's judgment, citing the brutality of the case.

BY SOMDATTA MAITY

PUBLISHED SEP 23, 2024

Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Ron Lach

Peeking into the minds of killers is a fascinating objective for experts in multiple fields. Hence, every aspect of a famous killer's life and the choices undertaken by them, like their last meal, are viewed under a microscope by the populace and media. A last meal request ordered by a death row criminal of a single olive with the pit still in raised eyebrows, LAD Bible reported. This meal was requested by 28-year-old, Victor Harry Feguer.

Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Enrico Hänel

Feguer reportedly made this request because he hoped an olive tree would grow from his grave if he met his maker after eating the particular meal, as per his prison guards. He wanted the tree on his grave as a sign of peace, reflecting his final message to all the people in the world.

Some reports claim that the pit from the olive was found in the pocket of one of his suits which he wore during his execution, LAD Bible reported.

Feguer was executed by hanging in 1963 for the murder of Dr. Edward Bartels, Daily Star reported. As per the investigation conducted by officials, Feguer was not acquainted with Bartels and found him randomly on the Yellow Pages in 1961.

The killer called Bartels for medical help, and after the latter arrived, shot him in the head. Thereafter he dumped the body in a field and escaped to Alabama.

It has been alleged by investigators that Feguer wanted drugs, and when Bartels refused, he committed the murder. The body was later found by police and an investigation was launched.

Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Ron Lach

The FBI caught Feguer after he attempted to sell the victim's car in Birmingham, Alabama. Despite, Feguer claiming his innocence and stating that the murder must have been committed by someone else, he was convicted and sentenced to death by court.

Feguer lodged an appeal but it was rejected, LAD Bible reported. The then U.S. President, John F. Kennedy, also refused to overturn the judgment citing the brutality of the case.

Feguer was the last federal inmate to be put to death in the State of Iowa, Daily Star reported.