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

Rainey Bethea

1909-10-16 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. He was the last person executed by public hanging in the U.S.

Background

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

Sources & Verification

  • Executed in Kentucky by public hanging August 14, 1936 (last public execution in U.S. history). Buried Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery, Owensboro (public). Find a Grave memorial 11846303: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11846303/rainey-bethea . Extensive contemporary news coverage 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

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

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