Gary Gilmore Timeline

Gary Goes to Jail

Jan 1, 1962

Gary was arrested for armed robbery and assult and was setenced to 15 years in federal prison

Gary Released from Prison

Feb 9, 1976

Gary was released from prison and moved in with his cousin Brenda in Provo, Utah in an attempt to get his life back on track

Gary Kills Max Jensen

Jul 19, 1976

Gary robbed and murdered Max Jensen, a gas station clerk working his nightly shift

Gary Kills Bennie Bushnell

Jul 20, 1976

Gary robs and murders Bennie Bushnell, a motel manager.

Gary's Trial Begins

Oct 5, 1976

Gary's Trial begins in Provo, Utah

Jury Presents Guilt Verdict

Oct 7, 1976

Jury determines that Gilmore is guilty and also recommends the Death Penalty; Gilmore chooses to be executed by firing squad

Initial Date Set for Execution

Nov 15, 1976

Expected Execution Date #2

Dec 6, 1976

This became the expected date of execution for Gary after a round of stays by the Governor of Utah as well as the Board of Pardons re-evalutating the sentence as well as appeals from Gary himself as to why he should be allowed to be exectued. The Board approves the execution and most expect to to be on the 6th as to abide with Utah law that execution must be carried out within 60 days of sentencing

U.S Supreme Court Decides not to Intervene

Dec 27, 1976

Supreme court votes to not intervene witht he Utah Supreme Court and to allow the execution to move forth. This is re-iterated when the hold their ground even when Gary's Mom and brother file an appeal

Final Execution Date Set

Jan 17, 1977

Final Execution date for Gilmore is set and carried out

Final Push to Prevent Execution

Jan 17, 1977

One final push from the higher courts to prevent Gilmore's Execution the morning of fails