Warning: This article contains discussion of rape which some readers may find distressing
A death row inmate who was executed in Florida for the rape and murder of a mom-of-two quoted a cult classic film as part of his final message for his wife and the family of his victim.
Back in 1994, Carmen Gayheart was just 23 years old when she was abducted from a supermarket parking lot in Lake City, northern Florida, by Anthony Wainwright and his wicked accomplice, Richard Hamilton.
The pair had both escaped from prison three days prior.
Advert
The nursing student, who was a married mom-of-two, was taken to a remote wooded area where they raped her, before Wainwright strangled and shot her in the head twice.
Wainwright and Hamilton both blamed each other for the brutal murder, but a jury unanimously convicted the pair of murder, kidnapping, robbery and rape during their trial in 1995, and recommended that they be sentenced to death.
After Hamilton died of natural causes two years ago on Death Row at the age of 59, yesterday (June 10) saw the execution of 54-year-old Wainwright be successfully carried out at Florida State Prison, near Starke - located a 40 minute drive from Lake City.
Wainwright died by way of lethal injection at around 6pm, but not before issuing a chilling final message to his wife and Carmen's family.
According to Wainwright's spiritual advisor Rev. Jeff Hunt, he opted to not have a final meal as it 'would distract him from his family and the people that he loved'.
Carmen's older sister Maria David was in attendance to watch Wainwright conclude his death sentence.
She said to the Daily Mail ahead of his execution: "Carmen was so scared for her life in her final moments, thinking, 'This is it. I’m gonna die'. And I can only hope that fear is something he’s feeling now, too."
While he told the distraught family that he hopes 'my death brings you peace and healing', he failed to apologize for inflicting the horrific crimes upon their loved one, the Mail exclusively reports.
He also addressed his wife, whom he stated had stood by his side throughout their time together.
"My beautiful wife Samantha, you are the love of my life. I’m so blessed we found each other. The years we have spent together have been beyond wonderful," the killer said.
"They’ve been downright magical. Love is stronger than death and I know our love will last for eternity.
"I wanted to thank everyone who has supported my wife Samantha and I. It has truly been overwhelming. It has meant so much to us both."
The rapist then quoted The Princess Bride by stating: "Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."
Speaking to reporters after his execution, which she had waited 30 years for, Maria said: "Carmen was a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend."
She then said she is 'looking forward' to 'never having to think about Anthony Wainwright ever again'.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7. Or you can chat online via online.rainn.org
Topics: Florida, Death Row, Crime, US News, True crime
Joe Yates