The Georgia Department of Corrections this week released an audio recording of the last words of Troy Davis, executed on Sept. 21 for the murder of Mark MacPhail, an off-duty Savannah police officer shot to death in 1989. Davis steadfastly maintained his innocence until the end and blamed another man for the killing.
More than 1,000 people attended Davis' funeral on Oct. 1 in Savannah.
The almost minute-and-a-half recording was provided in response to an open records request from the Associated Press. In a calm, clear voice, Davis first addressed the brother and son of MacPhail -- the only family members of the murdered man attending the execution -- asking them to "look deeper into this case, so that you really will finally see the truth."
Davis then asked his friends and family to "continue to fight this fight."
The recording ends with Davis addressing the prison employees carrying out the execution.
"For those about to take my life, my God have mercy on all of your souls. God bless you all," he said.
Complete transcript of the recording:
Well, first of all I'd like to address the MacPhail family. I'd like to let you all know that despite the situation -- I know all of you still are convinced that I'm the person that killed your father, your son and your brother, but I am innocent. The incidents that happened that night was not my fault. I did not have a gun that night. I did not shoot your family member.
But I am so sorry for your loss. I really am -- sincerely.
All that I can ask is that each of you look deeper into this case, so that you really will finally see the truth.
I ask to my family and friends that you all continue to pray, that you all continue to forgive. Continue to fight this fight.
For those about to take my life, may God have mercy on all of your souls. God bless you all.
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