Shawn Berry photo with letter/envelope 6/17/2008

This auction is for a letter from Texas convicted murderer Shawn Allen Berry. During the early morning hours of 6/7/1998, in rural Jasper County, TX, Shawn Berry, with accomplices John William King and John Lawrence Russell Brewer, invited a local African American man they knew to accompany them, after seeing him walking home. After driving to rural Jasper County, the three men beat, stabbed, and dragged his body about three miles. Shawn Berry, during the violent beating, lost his desire to participate, and ran away. Forensic evidence at the scene suggested the victim was dead prior to being dragged. It was decided the victim was alive while he was dragged. If he were dead, there wouldn't be kidnapping charges, which were needed to secure a death sentence. John King was convicted for his role in the crime and sentenced to death on 2/25/1999. Russell Brewer and Shawn Berry were each tried separate. Russell Brewer would be convicted on 9/22/1999 and subsequently sentenced to death. Shawn Berry would be convicted on 11/19/1999 and sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 40 years. Russell Brewer was executed on 9/21/2011. When asked if he had any last words he stated, "No. I have no final statement." He was 49. John King was executed 4/24/2019. When asked if he had any last words he stated, "No." He was 44. Shawn Berry is serving out his sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 

The Jasper dragging death case it was largely celebrated in the press and, due to the horrific and shocking nature, continues to receive media attention to this day. John King has been the focus on literary works and fictional Hollywood depictions, while the case itself has been the focus of books and movies. At one point the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles had an entire display dedicated to detailing the case.

There are two interesting facts about the executions of both Russell Brewer and John King. Russell Brewer was said to have declined his final meal, thus creating a change within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, dispensing with the customary "last meal" requests. Inmates to be executed would be given what the prison was serving that evening, no special requests to be accepted. The truth is Brewer left his bible in the prison transportation van, which had all of his phone numbers. Texas death row inmates are not allowed to use the phone, except in the hours leading up to their executions. So, you can image having those numbers are very important. Correctional officers gave Brewer a choice, they would either get his final meal or his bible. Of course, this isn't how the incident was presented to the media. Another change in policy came with the execution of John King, who gave a final written statement, "Capital punishment: Them without the capital get the punishment." Written statements are important as the State of Texas routinely misprints final words on their website. Without a final written statement prison officials can basically print whatever they want, regardless of what was actually said by the offender. This new practice only hurts surviving family members. After John King's powerful last words, the T.D.C.J. barred inmates from giving a final written statement.

ITEM DESCRIPTION: The missive is three pages on two sheets, dated 6/17/2008, and is signed, "Shawn." The photograph measures 3.5"×5". Berry has printed is name at the top and signed below the inscription, "Shawn A. Berry." The original mailing envelope is postmarked 6/19/2008. The letter and envelope come inside a protective magazine sleeve and have been stored flat. Message me with any questions you might have. Thanks for having a look-see.