For Texas Inmate, Death Becomes a Laughing Matter

While the world focuses its attention on Paris Hilton's upcoming jailtime adventures, another member of the federal prison system is hoping to have himself a laugh—before he dies.

The 39-year-old death row inmate in Livingston, Texas, convicted for brutally killing his neighbors nearly 16 years ago, has been running a rather macabre contest on a friend's website. Visitors are invited to submit their favorite jokes and one-liners; the inmate, set to be executed at the end of this month, will choose his favorite, which he'll deliver as his final statement. Thus far, he's received at least 250 entries.

"I'm not asking for money. I'm not asking for pen pals or anything like that. All I'm asking for is jokes," said the man to The Associated Press. "Lawyer jokes are real popular."

Photo by S Baker on flickr