The Legacy of the Gilmore Gun
At Gilmore Gun, we strive to uncover and share the profound stories of firearms that have shaped our society's legal and cultural landscape.
Gilmore denied his guilt at the beginning of his interrogation but soon admitted his culpability. There had been no executions in America since 1966. On June 1972 – Furman v. Georgia Supreme Court effectively voids 40 death penalty statutes and suspends the death penalty.
His bizarre case only lasted six months while including an attempted suicide pact with his girlfriend while incarcerated in Utah State prison, a hunger strike, and denial for appeals. His wish to die repeatedly made world news. After rescheduling his execution he finally got his wish choosing the firing squad over hanging.This period of no executions combined with the federal moratorium resulted in ten years of no executions in America. Only two weeks prior to Gilmore’s execution capital punishment had been reinstituted but still required the test case to complete the process. The Gary Mark Gilmore execution is the case that completed the process.
BOOK REVIEWS
Larry Pratt - Executive Director - Gun Owners of America - GOA
The Gilmore Gun - Echo of Murder, is a fascinating account of a key crime in American history and the tale of the gun involved. Amazingly, there are times when the criminal has a higher commitment to justice than many in the system. Stilson preserves an important record with this book.
Jeanie Almond- Director of Education - Elm Fork Shooting Sports -Dallas, Tx.
My favorite quote in the book was "I didn't realize how much opinions about guns differ in America. I simply never considered other's lifestyles." This book tells a true and tragic story of a failed family and a piece of equipment that became famous because it was used to do a terrible evil.
Toby Dye - London, England - Award winning documentary director
"The extra-ordinary life story of the Gilmore Gun, a .22 caliber Browning pistol that rose from humble origins to become America's most wanted firearm, is a fascinating parable for the modern age."
Forrest Bryant Johnson - Author of Phantom Warrior and Hour of Redemption.
"A shocking thought provoking story...well researched and told. The author knows his subject and pries open the readers mind for a look into the real world."
Geff Pollock - Utah State Historical Society
"I was glued and riveted to this book. I honestly couldn't put it down until I finished the whole book. This is an extremely well documented book"