The hangman had the noose in his hands ready to slip over the condemned man's head, but he waited because of a priest's request. This execution should have taken place 10 minutes ago, yet the sheriff still hesitated about giving the official signal for it. It was a classic cliff-hanger situation brought about by the pioneer Roman Catholic priest, Father John Joseph Therry, who at the 11th hour, had found proof of the prisoner's innocence. The priest had rushed to the gallows where he asked the sheriff to stay the execution. The sheriff agreed, but pointed out to the priest that he had his orders and could only delay for 15 minutes. April 08, 1940.