August 27, 1913

John Arthur Tillman was first tried for the murder of his girlfriend, Amanda Stevens. The trial ended with a split decision (or hung jury), but the second trial ended on November 1 with his conviction and sentencing. Tillman was the last person executed by hanging in the state of Arkansas. He insisted upon his innocence to the day of his death. Later reports have also raised questions about Tillman’s guilt. Friends of Tillman—as well as both Tillman’s father and Green Stevens, the victim’s father—were named as possible suspects.