EDITOR’S NOTE: The sister of Keith Eugene Wells chose not to be identified.
It's been 17 years since Idaho last executed a death row inmate and for the family of Keith Eugene Wells, the memories of that day are still very clear.
The Wells family says that day was one of the most painful they have ever endured.
In January 1994, the State of Idaho executed their first inmate since 1957. The man was Keith Eugene Wells, like Rhoades, Wells had been convicted of multiple murders. To many he was a criminal but like Rhoades, he was also a brother and a son. But unlike Paul Ezra Rhoades, after receiving his death sentence Wells chose to forgo the appeals process and accept his sentence. As the days moved closer to his execution date, his sister says the family became very tight knit.
“We all grew close together, very tight. He asked up to support him 100% and we told each other that's what we had to do,” said his sister. “And that's what we did.”
The family spent the morning of Keith’s execution day with him at the prison. Afterwards the family spent the day at a hotel room waiting for a final call from Wells, a call that never came.
“He was supposed to give us a call because we were waiting for him and he chose to call the victim's families,” she said. “I think in his heart this would make everything right for him and free him.”
By forgoing his appeals, Keith was executed less than two years after his sentence was handed down and she says that Keith looked at his death as a release from the prison walls.
“He told us many times, 'I’m already dead, I’m not going to live in this prison,'” she said.
And even though this sister lost her brother to an execution, it doesn't change her view on the death penalty.
“I am still for the death penalty all the way,” she said. “I believe when people commit crimes, if they've been proven, they need to be executed right then. You shouldn't have to pay to keep them alive and breathing and eating and enjoying life, I think they should be executed.”
Below is a letter addressed to the family of Paul Rhoades from the Keith Wells family.
From the Keith Wells Family
Dear Mr. Rhodes(SIC),
At times like these our hearts reflect back to the very pain filled events we endured, and the life lessons we learned.
With respect, and our deepest empathies, we share with you some of the untold story of Keith Wells and his walk. With hope to bring peace and comfort to your aching heart. Keith was one who has been there before.
There were , No finger prints ,No blood of Keith, No slivia on the ciggarett butts, No evidence, but a self confession of his wrong , Keith was sentenced to death April 8 1992. A short 10 months later, Keith wrote a letter, Feburary 11, 1993 I quote in part
“………. It is not my intention to cause any more pain or grief for anyone. And I feel that prolonging my life through years of appeals will only serve to prolong the pain and grief of not only my family members and loved ones, but that of the victims families and loved ones as well. The Suffering MUST STOP so the healing can begin!!...... “ “ … the cost, both in monetary and emotional well being, for all concerned, taxpayers, family, friends and victims alike, for keeping me confined in a 7’ by 14’ concrete and steel box year after year, Is a wasted and irresponsible one. Especially when all that money and energy can be better spent on things that really mean something… I.e. Hunger, poverty, Drug addiction treatment, etc.” end quote.
The last phone call we receive from Keith, he was sobbing so hard he could hardly utter the words of the to describe the miracle he had just witnessed. You see, No mail was to be given to Keith for the last week before the execution, but on this, the night before his execution, a package was sent to him by a person he had never met, but a pair of Keith’s shoes was given to him 7 years earlier. In the package was a bible ,a letter, and the a pair of shoes . The letter explained how the person got Keith shoes and simply wanted to return the shoes to Keith in the event that he needed them. Keith, was sobbing so hard because, it was January in Idaho, and it was snowing. To many this may seem like not a big deal, but you see Keith had chosen to walk to the execution trailer that was about a mile away from the prison, knowing he had no shoes. God knew of Keith’s choice, so He touched the hearts of others to show Keith, He knew him personally and loved him enough , that without the world even knowing, he sent him shoes so he could complete his walk. That testimony of God’s love for him allowed him to lay still on the execution table for over 45 minutes as he waited for courts decisions. So God returned Keith’s owns shoes back to him, that were given to a stranger 7 years before Keith needed them.
God lives Mr. Rhodes, he loves you and knows of your heart ache. God is not someone to fear, It is your actions and choices you need to fear. One should not fear the actions of men more than the actions of God.
Beyond repentance is forgiveness, we strongly feel Keith had a great understanding of the forgiveness and knew of the price he must pay for that to apply to his life.
The Lord commanded “ Whosoever shedth innocent blood, by man shall his blood be shed.” Thereby God has given the law.
These actions are not taken to punish you, and you are not losing any privileges because of it. You will be freed of your heavy burdens you that plaque you daily.
May your find peace and in the comfort of your faith. He who confesses with a humble heart shall be forgiven.
Here are your shoes, its your turn to walk.
