Home โ†’ Rainey Bethea
โš  FLAGGED
This is the documented grave of a convicted criminal. Information below comes from public records.

Rainey Bethea

c. 1909 โ€“ 1936-08-14 Convicted 1936
Buried at: Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery , Owensboro, KY ยท Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery (public)

Criminal History (Public Record)

Convicted of the 1936 rape and murder of 70-year-old Lischia Edwards.

Background

Rainey Bethea (c. 1909โ€“1936) was executed by hanging on August 14, 1936, in Owensboro, Kentucky. He was the last person publicly executed in the United States.

Sources & Verification

  • Executed in Kentucky by hanging August 14, 1936 (last public execution in U.S. history). Buried Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery, Owensboro (public). Find a Grave records in EXECUTED IN KENTUCKY virtual cemetery: https://www.findagrave.com/virtual-cemetery/658366 . Contemporary news and historical accounts.

All information on this site is drawn from publicly available records. We strongly recommend verifying directly with the cemetery and primary sources before making any decisions.

โš  Proximity Warning within ~5 miles

The following other flagged graves were found near this location:

Rainey Bethea
Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery ยท ~0 miles away
Rainey Bethea
Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery ยท ~1.53 miles away

Distances are approximate using the Haversine formula. Always confirm exact plot locations with the cemetery office.

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