John McCaffary
John McCaffary | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1820 |
| Died | August 21, 1851 (aged 30/31) Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Botched execution by hanging (unintentional strangulation) |
| Criminal status | Executed |
| Spouse | Bridgett McCaffary |
| Conviction | Willful murder |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
| Details | |
| Victims | Bridgett McCaffary |
| Date | July 23, 1850 |
John McCaffary (c. 1820 – August 21, 1851) was an Irish-American farmer who was convicted and executed for the murder of his wife, Bridgett McCaffary. His execution by hanging was botched; he was unintentionally strangled for over 20 minutes until he died. His execution led to the abolition of capital punishment in Wisconsin.