Now That’s a Death Wish

Facing execution, I’m sure Philip Workman had no clue how compelling his last wish would be. Rejecting anything as mundane as a steak dinner, Workman requested for a vegetarian pizza to be delivered to a homeless man. Quite an astounding request from a man who was convicted of slaying a police officer in an armed robbery at Wendys in Memphis. Aggravated by the fact that Workman was strung out on Cocaine. Given the severity of the crime you would think the guards at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution would be touched into compliance. After all, here’s a man who’s seen the consequences of his actions and repented to the point of self denial. But the officials of Riverbend didn’t see redemption, or if they did, were not moved to concession. The denied his request on the most absurd of grounds; they don’t donate to charity!

So Workman was executed by lethal injection without his dying wish granted on Wednesday, May 9. While his request left the maximum security prison cold, a host of other citizens were moved to action. The first good Samaritan was a radio station in Minneapolis which spent the majority of the morning discussing Workman’s request on air. They donated 17 pizzas in his behalf. Donna Spangler collected $1,200 to buy 150 pizzas, which she delivered to the Nashville’s Rescue Mission. Ingrid Newkirk, President of PETA ordered 15 veggie pizzas to be sent to the mission. She is quoted as saying, “kindness to all living beings is a virtue.” Another 17 pizzas arrived at Nashville's Oasis Center, a shelter that helps teenagers in crisis. More pizzas were delivered anonymously on Workman’s behalf. Philip Workman died after years of being confined, (some evidence indicates wrongfully) for years on death row. But how amazing that his death brought sustenance, joy and hope to a small throng of people. He will not be forgotten, nor should he.