The legacy of Anthony Chebatoris?

Question:A challenge for those who love research. Who was Anthony Chebatoris and what was his legacy to the American justice system and State's Rights? His story is permanently entwined to my own family through my grandfather's uncle, Henry Porter.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: A challenge for those who love research. Who was Anthony Chebatoris and what was his legacy to the American justice system and State's Rights? His story is permanently entwined to my own family through my grandfather's uncle, Henry Porter.

Anthony Chebatoris (1898 – 1938), was the only person executed for a capital crime in Michigan since it became a state in 1837. Henry Porter was shot & killed by Anthony Chebatoris.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Chebatorishttp://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816...

To add to what was posted above, Anthony Chebatoris, with Jack Gracey, shot two officers of the Midland Michigan Chemical State Savings Bank, killed a passing truck driver, was captured thanks to the marksmanship of a deer-hunting dentist. Chebatoris and Gracey had been pals when they were in the slammer. Gracey was shot dead that day. Taking life during a bank holdup called for the death penalty under FEDERAL law. No one had been executed in Michigan since 1830. The governor, Frank Murphy appealed to President Franklin Roosevelt to have him hanged in another state, but was unable to because Federal law says that Federal executions shall be moved only out of States which have entirely abolished capital punishment. Michigan only allowed for the death penalty for "High Treason".

With the exception of Anthony Chebatoris, all executions in areas which are now part of the State of Michigan were performed before the state was admitted to the Union. Mr. Chebatoris was the last execution to be performed in Michigan. All federal executions are now held at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana.

The legal method of executions in Michigan was hanging, although two people were executed by shooting, one was bludgeoned and the method of one more execution remains unknown.

In 2002, Michigan imposed a death sentence on Marvin Gabrion making him the first federal death sentence imposed on a defendant in a state that does not have the death penalty since the federal death penalty was reinstated. He is still appealing his sentence.

Thanks for the question. The research was fun!!