On March 26, 1887, William Jackson “Jack” Marion was hanged in Nebraska for the "murder" of his friend John Cameron. Four years later, Cameron returned alive and well
Did they ever figure out who the random dead guy was?
"He shall be taken by the sheriff to the place of execution and be hanged by the neck until dead, dead, dead."
Interesting wording. Did they think he couldn't be hung on the first go-round, and the execution needed three tries to get it right?
Good observation. I think that is just the way they worded it for emphasis. Though there have been plenty of botched executions, so could be.
Did they ever figure out who the random dead guy was?
"He shall be taken by the sheriff to the place of execution and be hanged by the neck until dead, dead, dead."
Interesting wording. Did they think he couldn't be hung on the first go-round, and the execution needed three tries to get it right?
Good observation. I think that is just the way they worded it for emphasis. Though there have been plenty of botched executions, so could be.