Mike Graczyk, the correspondent in charge of the Houston bureau of the Associated Press, has been listed on the Media Witness list for 277 death row executions in the state of Texas.
UPDATE (July 3, 2007) — in an email responding to my request for information, Mr. Graczyk estimates that he has witnessed close to 300 executions, though he doesn’t keep track of the actual numbers.
On March 14, 1984, Graczyk witnessed his first execution (James David Autry). And he was present earlier this week when Patrick Knight was put to death.
From an article written in 2001 by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press:
When a death row inmate in Texas walks the final steps from the holding cell to the execution chamber, one thing is almost always certain: Associated Press reporter Mike Graczyk is there.
Five media representatives can witness executions. With a spot always reserved for the AP, Graczyk’s name appears on the media witness list next to every scheduled execution. His observations in the witness room have made him a popular source in stories about capital punishment. And always assured a spot, Graczyk goes into every execution with the assumption that he will act as pool witness afterwards and brief his colleagues about what he saw.
One of the remarkable things about Graczyk’s writing is that you can’t determine his personal opinion on the death penalty from his reporting. I’ve read most of Mr. Graczyk’s reports on executions over the last 3-4 years, and I have no idea if he is for or against the death penalty.
Which is how it should be.
In a time where journalists’ political biases are painfully obvious by reading the slant and spin they put on their stories, it’s refreshing to find a journalist who doesn’t interject his bias into the story — but rather just reports the facts without editorializing.
In the 2001 article, Gracyzk was asked about the media’s roll in reporting these executions:
Graczyk pointed out that he doesn’t only report about executions, but he realizes the importance of media witnesses who perform a watchdog function “in case something does go wrong.”
“I hope it never becomes so routine that the state is allowed to take someone’s life without anyone noticing,” he said.
Watching nearly 300 people be put to death — regardless of how pro- or anti-death penalty one might be — has to weigh tremendously on one’s mind and emotions. Despite that, Mr. Graczyk has remained an objective witness to the execution, and has nobly and consistently fulfilled his responsibilities as a journalist.
I wish more journalists had the same ethical and professional standards of reporting that Mr. Graczyk displays.
I have been friends with the Graczyk family for over 15 years, their son Chris is one of my best friends.
Great family, good values, it is a pleasure to know them. A Greek Tony’s 16″ pepperoni pizza would really hit the spot.
So I have a question…Why does Mike not write a book of the executions he has witnessed? These types of books are HUGE sellers and this is an VERY intriguing topic.
IF he has already, I would love to read it myself.
Eric
I wouldn’t be surprised if, when his days at the AP are over, and he has the free time, that a book is forthcoming. I think he could provide some magnificent insight into our DP process and its affect on the condemned, their family, and the families of the victims.
I really couldn’t agree more. I hope he seriously considers it.
Hey,
Is this the same MG who went to school at St Viator in Arlington Heights IL?
You buying?
Meet me in The Woodlands around noon!
My wife’s from The Woodlands (graduated from McCullough when it was still the high school in 1992).
Her parents still live in Panther Creek.
And I’m from Conroe, so I know The Woodlands pretty well.
Well written Robbie, a good point made very well.
Sure Robbie I know where you are from. You and I were classmates; I am also a 1986 graduate. I live on Lake Conroe but work in The Woodlands. I started reading your blog around the time our 20th reunion was being planned and developed an addiction. I don’t often post, but I am always around (usually cursing Preston!!).
If you do not know the background to any particular Texas execution, then I agree, it appears that Mike Graczyk provides a fair account of the facts. But if you do know the background, then it is easy to see that Mike Graczyk is pro-death penalty.
For example, James Lee Clark was executed in April of 2007. The first sentence of each Graczak report provided that Mr. Clark committed the murders of Carie Crews and Jesus Garza just days after being released on parole. In truth, Mr. Clark was released on parole from a burglary conviction in late May of 1992. The murders of Miss Crews and Mr. Garza occurred in early June of 1993.
That is over one year. That is not just a few days.
To some this detail might be insignificant given the heinous murders of Miss Crews and Mr. Garza. And those murders were savage. But it sure appears to me that Mr. Graczyk twisted these facts to make a terrible circumstance appear even worse.
Also, there were other problems with other reports on James Clark. For one, the murder weapon (a shotgun) was not found in Clark’s residence. It was found at the crime scene. A sawed off rifle butt (from another weapon at the crime scene) was found in Mr. Clark’s residence.
I must say that your arguments are totally noncompelling.
Another well written article by Mr. Graczyk:
Link
I worked for the Huntsville Item and covered three executions with Graczyk. We discussed things including the fact that we were probably the only two people who covered both Texas executions and Super Bowls. He is very talented and professional. I agree executions need to be witnessed. It’s amazing how many things people claim really didn’t happen.
fucking ghoul
Oh, look! A euroweenie dropped in.
Just seen a photograph of journalist Mr. Graczyk(death row freek) wearing 2 ball top pens in a Barcelona newspaper.I have never felt the need before to reply to the article.If there exsited the sancatmonios prize for a journalist this guy is a nominee.,
Ps Hes so lucky he doesn’t live in Alaska he’d be righgt out of a job
Judging from your post, you’re fucking illiterate. Ball top pens? Sancatmonios?
Graczyk is an AP reporter. AP covers executions in Texas. The prison also requires a witness from the press to be present at executions. His reporting is not biased.
Thanks for proving that you are both illiterate and an idiot.
Oh, and better look up the definition for sanctimonious, because it applies to you – not Graczyk.
Mr. Grczyk reports honestly without bias. Unlike some who try to make the criminal into the “victim” like some so called reporters…..