SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The South Dakota Department of Corrections has released the final moments of Charles Rhines’ life prior to his execution.
Rhines seemed concerned about small details, like the type of microphone that was recording his last words and that the blinds to the death chamber were not motorized.
His very last words were, “That’s it.”
The transcript from the SDDOC is below:
Transcript of execution November 4, 2019
Rhines – That pick me up?
Young – Yep.
Rhines – Alright. Condenser mic?
Young – Mr. Ponto, you can open the blinds.
Rhines – Condenser mic?
(blinds opening)
Rhines – Oh, you don’t have motors on those? Well.
Leidholt – We have contacted the Governor of South Dakota, the Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court, and the Attorney General’s Office. No stays have been issued to set aside the warrant of death sentence and execution in the matter of State of South Dakota vs. Charles Rhines. Therefore, Warden Young you may proceed to carry out the order of the court.
Young – Charles Rhines, you have you have been convicted of the crime of first-degree murder of Donnivan Schaeffer. You have been sentenced to death by lethal injection for this crime. This is the time and place for the execution of that sentence. Do you have any last words?
Rhines – Yes, I do. Edwin and Peggy Schaeffer, I forgive you for your anger and your hatred towards me, and I pray to God that he forgives you for your anger and your hatred towards me. And uh, thanks to my team, my legal team and the people who stood with me to the end here. Iappreciate it. I love you all. Goodbye. Let’s do this. Let’s go.
Young – Okay
Rhines – I’m ready.
Young – Okay
Rhines – That’s it, that’s all I’ve got to say.
Young – Okay, thanks.
Rhines – Goodbye.
Rhines – (heavy breathing) That’s it. (mumbled words, heavy breathing)
(Muffled talking and background noises)
Young – I’ll ask that the coroner please step in.
Young – Can you perform an exam please?
Coroner – Yes, sir.
Coroner – The time of death is 7:39.
Young – Thank you.
Young – You can now close the blinds
(blinds closing)
Rhines-Inmate Charles Rhines
Young-Warden Darin Young
Leidholt- Secretary of Corrections Mike Leidholt
