Saturday 24th January 2026 marks a sobering anniversary: it has been 37 years since the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy was executed via the electric chair in Florida. This date serves as a grim reminder of the ultimate penalty faced by some of history's most horrific criminals, sparking ongoing debates about justice and the ethics of capital punishment.
Global Context of Executions in 2026
While the death penalty was abolished in Britain back in 1965, it remains a legal practice in numerous countries across the globe. As of 2026, executions are lawful in more than 50 nations, including prominent examples such as the United States, India, Japan, and Thailand. In other regions, like Brazil, execution is only permitted under extreme circumstances, highlighting the varied legal and moral landscapes surrounding this contentious issue.
Notorious Serial Killers Who Met Their End Through Execution
Here is a closer look at some of the infamous serial killers who were executed for their gruesome crimes, each leaving a dark legacy in criminal history.
- Ted Bundy: Operating throughout the 1970s, Bundy terrorised, raped, and murdered young women across America, all while maintaining a facade of respectability as an upstanding member of society. His reign of terror ended on January 24, 1989, when he was put to death via the electric chair at Florida State Prison.
- Aileen Wuornos: Known as the "Damsel of Death," Wuornos was one of America's few female serial killers. A sex worker, she killed at least six of her male clients, initially claiming self-defence before confessing she shot them for their money. She was executed by lethal injection on October 9, 2002, at Florida State Prison.
- Harvey Glatman: Dubbed the "Glamour Girl Slayer," Glatman was recognised for his sadomasochistic sexual behaviour. He would restrain his victims, sexually assault and rape them, photograph the scenes, and then kill them. He met his end in a Californian gas chamber on September 18, 1959.
- John Wayne Gacy: Responsible for raping and murdering at least 33 young men and boys, Gacy earned the nickname "Killer Clown" due to his performances as a clown at parties. He was executed by lethal injection on May 10, 1994, at Stateville Correctional Centre in Illinois.
- William Bonin: Known as the "Freeway Killer," Bonin would pick up young boys and men in his truck, rape and kill them, before dumping their bodies along the freeways. He was executed by lethal injection on February 23, 1996, at San Quentin State Prison, California.
Reflections on Justice and Capital Punishment
These executions raise profound questions about justice and the role of the death penalty in society. For some, the execution of such criminals represents a form of justice served, as they were killed before nature could take its course through illness or old age. For others, it prompts critical examination of capital punishment altogether, considering its moral implications and effectiveness as a deterrent.
As we reflect on these cases, it is clear that the stories of Ted Bundy, Aileen Wuornos, and others continue to fascinate and horrify, serving as stark reminders of the darkest aspects of human behaviour and the complex legal responses to it.
