Two Missouri members of Congress, Representative Cy Bush and Representative Emanuel Clever, sent a letter to Governor Mike Parson urging him to spare David’s life, citing his debilitating medical condition and concerns about his trial. Anti-death penalty activists delivered a petition with nearly 7,000 signatures to the governor’s office.
David’s spiritual adviser, Reverend Jeff Hood, joined efforts to advocate on his behalf. But Governor Parson had never issued a reprieve in a case like this. On June 10th, 2024, the eve of the scheduled execution, Parson formally denied clemency. He noted that David had cruy taken the lives of Angela and Rodney Gilpin and shown no remorse for his callous conduct.
Parson pointed out that prosecutors had once offered David a plea deal of life imprisonment, which he refused. With no appeals remaining and clemency denied, David reconciled himself to his fate. >> I can’t see by any justification the death penalty as being anything but cruel and inhumane treatment. I’m not looking forward to it, but like I said, I I read my Bible.
I talked to Reverend Hood. I put my faith in my Lord and salvation, Jesus Christ. And and no matter what happens, I know that’s what God wanted because he’s known us since before we were born. He’s knowing our life, our life’s path, and he knows the true time of our death. So, if this is the day he wants it and the time he wants it, that’s, you know, it’s going to happen.
If not, then, you know, he’ll reach down and and and show his mercy upon me. >> June 11th, 2024, Eastern Reception, Diagnostic, and Correctional Center in Bontra, Missouri. David Hoer, 69 years old, was given his final meal, a New York strip steak, baked potato with butter and sour cream, Texas toast, Dutch apple pie, and orange juice and milk.
He spent his final hours with his spiritual adviser, and made phone calls to family members and friends to say goodbye. At 6:11 p.m., David was pronounced dead after receiving a lethal injection of pentobarbatl. He was strapped to a gurnie wearing a white prison shirt and glasses with IV lines delivering the fatal dose. Witnesses reported that as the drug was administered, David turned his head a couple of times and took a few deep breaths.
Within seconds, his movement ceased and he appeared to lose consciousness quickly. Reverend Jeff Hood was present, seated next to the gurnie, praying softly as the injection was administered. Eight of Angela’s and Rodney’s loved ones attended to see that justice was carried out. In his final statement, David maintained his innocence, but expressed peace and love.
He said, “I leave you all with love. Now I get to go to heaven. Don’t cry for me. Just join me when your time comes.” He also remarked that he felt like the luckiest man on earth because he had been able to tell the truth of his innocence and learned to be the fullest version of me even in prison. David showed no signs of fear on the gurnie.
Witnesses described him as calm in his final moments. After prison medical staff declared his death at 6:11 p.m. His body was removed to be cremated. The execution prompted varied reactions for the Gilpin family. It brought a somber sense of resolution after almost 15 years. Rilene vaugh Rodney’s sister stated that David should be held accountable for what he did.