Edward Cowart
Edward D. Cowart (February 17, 1925 – August 3, 1987) was an American lawyer (Dade County Circuit Court Judge). He is best known as presiding judge at the trial of serial killer Ted Bundy in 1979 (considered sometimes as the first "official" serial killer trial), where he imposed a death sentence. Cowart is remembered for his sentencing, which included these words:[1][2]
It is further ordered that on such scheduled date that you will be put to death by a current of electricity, sufficient to cause your immediate death and that current of electricity shall continue to be passed through your body until you are dead.Take care of yourself, young man. I say that to you sincerely; take care of yourself, please. It is an utter tragedy for this court to see such a total waste of humanity as I’ve experienced in this courtroom.
You’re a bright young man. You would have made a good lawyer and I would have loved to have you practice in front of me, but you went another way, partner. Take care of yourself. I don’t feel any animosity toward you. I want you to know that. Once again, take care of yourself.
— Judge Edward Cowart[1]
Before entering the judiciary, Cowart served as a Miami police officer. He sat on the bench for fourteen years, earning wide respect among Florida lawyers. He was known for frequent biblical quotations in the courtroom.
Judge Cowart died of a heart attack at the age of 62.[2] Bundy was executed two years later in 1989.
References
- 1 2 Lundin, Leigh (2010-08-22). "Last Words". Capital Punishment. Criminal Brief.
- 1 2 "Edward D. Cowart, 62, Judge In Florida Trial of Ted Bundy". The New York Times. Miami. Associated Press. 1987-08-04. Retrieved 2010-01-31.
After month long proceedings, Mr. Bundy was found guilty of murdering two female students at Florida State University. Judge Cowart sentenced him to death for "vile and heinous" crimes, then told him quietly: "You'd have made a good lawyer. I'd have loved to have you practice in front of me. But you went the wrong way, partner."