Bio

James W. Rodgers was born on August 3, 1910, in Lubbock, Texas. He was the eldest child in a large family with five brothers and six sisters. Growing up, his education faced challenges, and he did not complete the eighth grade. When he turned twelve, he left home due to the strict conditions set by his father, who forced the children to work hard.

As a teenager, Rodgers became involved in illegal activities. By the age of sixteen, he had joined a bootlegging operation. This risky life led to a significant injury when he was shot in the legs by machine gun fire. Over the years, he continued to engage in criminal behavior, including armed robbery, which resulted in him spending over twenty years in different prisons.

Rodgers' life took another turn when he moved from New Mexico to Utah in 1957. He found work as a part-time security guard for the Continental Uranium Company at a uranium mine near La Sal.

Murder Story

In 1957, James W. Rodgers was working as a part-time security guard at the Rattlesnake uranium mine in La Sal, Utah. On June 19, he had an argument with fellow miner Charles Merrifield over how to properly grease a scoop shovel. During this dispute, Rodgers shot Merrifield multiple times, leading to his death from wounds to the head, arm, and torso.

After the shooting, Rodgers drove away from the scene in his truck but was soon captured in Colorado. He was taken to the Grand County Jail in San Juan County, Utah. During questioning, he claimed that he shot Merrifield in self-defense, stating that he felt threatened and believed Merrifield intended to attack him with a wrench.

Rodgers was arraigned on June 26, 1957, and charged with murder. He pleaded "guilty by reason of insanity," claiming he was suffering from syphilis. Throughout the trial, he maintained that he acted in self-defense. However, evidence presented showed that Merrifield had been shot while operating the shovel at the mine.

Rodgers was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. He chose execution by firing squad over hanging. After several appeals, which were all denied, he was sent to death row. Rodgers was described as a model prisoner during his time there and expressed gratitude for the kindness he received.

On March 30, 1960, Rodgers was executed by firing squad at 6:16 a.m. He asked for a bulletproof vest as his final request and insisted on his innocence to the end. His mother claimed his body for burial in California. Rodgers' execution was notable as it was the last firing squad execution in the United States for over 17 years.