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Death-row prisoner sacrificed last meal to feed the homeless

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Jail. (Photo: Getty/Gallo Images)
Jail. (Photo: Getty/Gallo Images)

An American death-row prisoner refused a special meal before his execution in hopes that others would get fed.

Donnie Edward Johnson (68), who was found guilty of the murder of his wife, Connie, in 1984, was allowed $20 (around R290) to spend on his last meal at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, USA Today reports.

The inmate, who was executed on Thursday 16 May, declined the meal and opted to donate the vegetarian pizza to a local homeless shelter.

Donnie’s attorney, Kelley Henry, told ABC News that the inmate was inspired by one of his jail pals, Phillip Workman, who was executed in 2007.

Although the pizza wasn’t sent to the shelter, people who supported Donnie donated food to it instead.

"Mr Johnson realises that his $20 (R290) allotment won’t feed many homeless people," Henry said.

"His request is that those who’ve supported him provide a meal to a homeless person."

Donnie’s legal team revealed that he underwent a religious transformation and often led prayer services for inmates, the New York Post reveals.

Donnie is reportedly the fourth person to be executed in Tennessee since August.

Sources: USA Today, ABC News, New York Post

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