Executed
Patrick Hartnett
Patrick Hartnett was hanged at the Ohio penitentiary in Columbus on the morning of September 30, 1885, according to the account in the Delaware Gazette and State Journal published October 8, 1885. The paper reported that the drop fell and the fall nearly decapitated him, leaving his head attached only by a small strip of skin. Witnesses described the scene as sickening, and the executioners had difficulty summoning the courage to cut the body down.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state. Witnesses said the drop nearly decapitated him, leaving his head attached only by a small strip of skin, which describes a botched execution.
Reported by: witnesses at the execution.