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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Rhoades, in final words, takes responsibility for one murder, not other two

The media witnesses to Paul Ezra Rhoades' execution are now answering questions from other reporters about what they witnessed. "Perhaps the most noteworthy thing was Mr. Rhoades' final statement," said AP reporter Rebecca Boone. "He apologized for the Michelbacher murder, but did not take responsibility for the other two murders." Boone said Rhoades said to the families of his other two victims, "I can't help you guys, sorry." She said, "He said, 'Mom, goodbye,' then he turned and faced the warden, Randy Blades, and said, 'You guys, I forgive you, I really do.'"

ABC Channel 6 reporter Mac King said, "The whole thing was incredibly sterile, with the exception of his statement. Everyone was really professional." King said there were "some tears" from the victims' families.

Nate Green, reporter for the Idaho Press-Tribune, said, "It was very quiet and somber, it was silent throughout. One gentleman, apparently a friend of the Michelbacher family, said the devil had gone home."



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