Alfred Wells was executed in San Quentin’s gas chamber that he had helped install.
In 1937, Wells was serving time for burglary when the chamber arrived. He welded pipes, tubes, and installed gauges. Wells would later tell other inmates, "That's the closest I ever want to come to the gas chamber."
In 1939 he was paroled and over the next couple of years was involved in various petty crimes. In 1941 he killed his half-brother, the brother's wife and another woman in San Bernardino.
The murders were a result of a family dispute over an incestuous relationship between Wells and his half sister Violet Wells. After the family removed Violet from the home of Wells he became enraged and went on a killing spree.
Prior to his trial, Wells made an escape attempt using a gun carved out of soap. He was sent back to San Quentin where he knew what awaited him. While on deathrow Wells became disruptive by setting fires, flooding his cell, attempting to stab guards, and attempting suicide twice. The guards and inmates alike hated him.
On December 4, 1942, Wells entered the gas chamber six years after he helped build it, and drew his last breath. At 10:12 am. he was pronounced dead. He was 32 years old.
In 1937, Wells was serving time for burglary when the chamber arrived. He welded pipes, tubes, and installed gauges. Wells would later tell other inmates, "That's the closest I ever want to come to the gas chamber."
In 1939 he was paroled and over the next couple of years was involved in various petty crimes. In 1941 he killed his half-brother, the brother's wife and another woman in San Bernardino.
The murders were a result of a family dispute over an incestuous relationship between Wells and his half sister Violet Wells. After the family removed Violet from the home of Wells he became enraged and went on a killing spree.
Prior to his trial, Wells made an escape attempt using a gun carved out of soap. He was sent back to San Quentin where he knew what awaited him. While on deathrow Wells became disruptive by setting fires, flooding his cell, attempting to stab guards, and attempting suicide twice. The guards and inmates alike hated him.
On December 4, 1942, Wells entered the gas chamber six years after he helped build it, and drew his last breath. At 10:12 am. he was pronounced dead. He was 32 years old.
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