Ronnie Lee Gardner

Ronnie Lee Gardner was convicted of murdering bartender Melvyn John Otterstrom during a robbery in 1985. High on cocaine, Gardner shot Melvyn in the face before robbing The Cheers Tavern of less than $100 in Salt Lake City. During the trial for Melvyn’s murder, Gardner attempted to escape with a smuggled revolver. He made his way out of the courthouse and ran into attorneys Robert Macri and Michael Burdell – the latter who had been doing pro-bono work for his church. Gardner shot Burdell in the eye before being apprehended by police. He was sentenced to life in prison for the murder or Melvyn Otterstrom, and the death penalty for the murder of Michael Burdell. Gardner selected death by firing squad for his method of execution, which was carried out in 2010. Due to the numerous appeals surrounding his sentencing, Gardner’s case was responsible for the state of Utah introducing legislation to limit the number of appeals in capital cases.

Prior to his last meal Gardner to spend 48 hours fasting and watching The Lord of the Rings. He then had a dinner of lobster tail, steak, apple pie, vanilla ice cream, and 7-Up.