Ruth Ellis -- Last Minute Reprieve Attempt A last minute attempt to win a reprieve for Ruth Ellis sentenced to death for the shooting of David Blakely, her one time lover, was made this weekend. New evidence from Witnesses not called at her trial was sent to the Home Secretary Mr. Gwilym Lloyd George. The death sentence is due to be carried out July 13th. Mrs. Ellis herself refused to lodge an appeal. But friends, and even people she does not know personally, are trying to save her from the gallows. July 14, 1955.