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This article reconstructs the final 24 hours in the life of Robert Anthony Buell – executed by lethal injection on September 24, 2002, at the Ohio State Penitentiary. The content is for educational and historical documentation purposes only, based on prison records, execution reports, witness testimonies, and public documents. Not intended to gratuitously shock, glorify crime, or advocate for the death penalty.
The Final Moments In The 24 Hours Of Robert Anthony Buell (September 23–24, 2002 – Ohio State Penitentiary)
Brief Background
Robert Anthony Buell (born 1940) had a serious criminal history involving women and children. In 1982, he was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping, raping, and sexually assaulting multiple victims. Later, he was charged with the murder of 11-year-old Tiffany Slagle in 1981 (the victim’s body was found months later). Forensic evidence (bite marks, hair fibers, fabric fibers) was considered very strong. Buell always denied the murder and continued to maintain his innocence until his final moments. After years of failed appeals, his execution date was set for September 24, 2002.
Timeline Of The Final 24 Hours
Afternoon and evening of September 23, 2002 – Transfer to the death house
Approximately 2:00–3:00 PM: Buell was transferred from death row to the “death house” (execution waiting area) at the Ohio State Penitentiary (Lucasville). The transfer took place under strict escort.
Upon arrival, he was placed in the death watch cell – a separate room with a bed, small table, and toilet.
He was served his requested last meal: steak, mashed potatoes, salad, bread, and a can of soda. He ate quite heartily but did not talk much.
He was allowed a final visit with his family (his sister and some relatives). The visit took place in a heavy atmosphere. Buell still maintained his innocence and said he “did not kill Tiffany.”
He spent most of his time writing handwritten letters to his family and talking to the prison chaplain.
Night of September 23 – Morning of September 24, 2002 (12:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
Buell hardly slept. He continued praying, reading the Bible, and writing letters.
He refused the sedatives offered by the prison.
Around 3:30–4:00 AM, he was allowed a final shower and changed into the standard blue prison uniform.
He requested to wear a white shirt he had kept from before, but the prison only allowed the standard uniform.
Morning of September 24, 2002 – 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Buell had a final meeting with the chaplain and his lawyers. He still maintained his innocence and asked his lawyers to continue fighting after his death.
He declined to make a public statement to the press.
Witnesses (representatives of the victim’s family, legal personnel, selected press) began arriving at the viewing room.
Around 9:50 AM: Buell was led into the execution chamber. He walked steadily, without trembling.
The Execution – Approximately 10:00–10:13 AM
10:00 AM: Buell was strapped to the execution table. He refused a blindfold.
Before the drugs were administered, he spoke clearly:
“I am innocent. I did not kill that little girl. The state is murdering an innocent man.”
10:02 AM: First dose of sodium thiopental (anesthetic) was administered.
10:05 AM: Pancuronium bromide (muscle relaxant) was administered.
10:07 AM: Potassium chloride (cardiac arrest agent) was administered.
10:13 AM: The prison doctor pronounced him dead.
He also mentioned inviting Governor Bob Taft to witness:
“I had invited the governor to be here today and Mrs. Taft, too. He obviously didn’t come. Governor, if you can’t bring your wife to your workplace, you are obviously ashamed of what you do. If you’re ashamed of what you do, you shouldn’t be doing it.”
Aftermath And Controversy
Tiffany Slagle’s family witnessed the execution and believed Buell’s death was “belated justice.”
Buell’s family and some supporters still believed he was innocent, arguing that the evidence was fabricated or insufficiently convincing.
Buell’s execution was one of the most controversial in Ohio at that time because he consistently maintained his innocence until the very end.
The final 24 hours of Robert Anthony Buell were a combination of a last meal, handwritten letters, prayers, and a powerful declaration of innocence just before the lethal drugs were administered. Even though the forensic evidence was considered strong, Buell denied responsibility until his last breath. His death in 2002 closed a case that sparked major controversy over justice and the death penalty in America.
Main sources:
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction execution records (September 24, 2002).
Official report of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office on the execution of Robert Buell.
The Columbus Dispatch, The Plain Dealer and Associated Press – contemporary reports (September 24, 2002).
Death Penalty Information Center: Detailed records of executions in Ohio in 2002.
“The Case of Robert Buell” – archival documents from Ohio courts and anti-death penalty organizations.
Testimonies of the victim’s family and Buell’s family in public documents.