Hello,

There will be a gathering outside the Old Don Jail (Gerrard/Broadview) this coming Wed., Dec. 10, from approximately 2 p.m. to Midnight to mark the 46th anniversary of the last hangings in Canada.

Minutes after midnight on Dec. 10, 1962, Ronald Turpin and Arthur Lucas became the last two men hanged in Canada. Although the death penalty would remain on the books until 1976, Turpin and Lucas were the last of the 710 people executed in Canada.

The gathering outside the Don Jail is being organized by the last known surviving relative of Ronald Turpin. Dixie-Lee Mallory was just 12 when her uncle was hanged for murdering a Toronto police officer. She believes her uncle was acting in self-defence, and believes a plaque should be installed on the Don Jail grounds.