Execution of John Coffey

John Coffey is executed in the electric chair. Paul Edgecombe, Brutus Howell, Dean Stanton, and Harry Terwilliger escort him to Old Sparky. Coffey asks not to be masked because he is afraid of the dark, and Edgecombe grants his request. Coffey's last words are 'I'm sorry for what I am.' The execution is quick and relatively humane, but it devastates the guards. Edgecombe is haunted by Coffey's fear and innocence. After the execution, Edgecombe finds the St. Christopher medal that Melinda Moores gave Coffey in his pocket. The execution marks the end of Edgecombe's career on the Green Mile; he and Brutus Howell both resign shortly afterward.