Meet the Makers: Diary of an execution

Fabian Biasio’s photo reportage about the execution of James Colburn in Texas has been awarded with the «Magazin Fotopreis» in 2004. Committed to sustainable journalism, Fabian intends to visit James’ sister ten years after the incident to complement the story with new videos, interviews and pictures: Diary of an execution – Audioslideshow.

Here, Fabio provides insight into his emotional diary:

Tina loved her brother all her life. Her sole remembrance of their childhood is this picture, taken 36 years ago.

Two days before execution

Tina still hopes, that her petition – exemption from the punishment – would save her brothers life. She pleads for mental illness.

March 26, 2003 / 05:00 p.m.

One hour before execution. Last phone call with James. She tells him, that she loves him.

March 26, 2003 / 06:21 p.m.

James dies in the «The Walls Unit» at the age of 43 years and 26 days. His last words are: «None of this should have happend and now that I’m dying there is nothing left to worry about. I know it was a mistake. I have no one to blame but myself.»

March 26, 2003 / 07:00 p.m.

The first time since ten year, that Tina can touch her brother. The injection of 0,91 cubic inch of potassium chloride caused a cardiac arrest.

Three days later

James gets buried in the family grave of the Cemetery of Corsicana, a small town south of Dallas.