John Martin Scripps was a British spree killer who targeted international travelers across Asian transit hubs. Using false identities and sophisticated disguises, Scripps befriended tourists at hotels before murdering them, dismembering their remains with forensic precision, and emptying their bank accounts.
Following a high-profile capture in Singapore, Scripps was convicted of capital murder and transferred to the maximum-security execution wing of Changi Prison. His execution on April 19, 1996, marked a significant diplomatic milestone—it was the first time a British citizen was sentenced to death by hanging in Singapore since the nation achieved independence.
Prior to his hanging, Scripps requested a dense, highly blended mix of traditional localized dishes and regional comfort sweets:
[02] A serving of heavily spiced Indian Nasi Biryani.
[03] One glass of carbonated ice cream soda.
[04] A side packet of hot, Milo-flavored chocolate sweets.
Changi Prison officials fulfilled the cross-cultural menu completely, utilizing local open-market vendors to secure the specific regional dishes. Institutional logs state that Scripps ate the food calmly, showing zero signs of physical resistance or emotional outbursts.
Criminologists note that his final choice of highly localized street food (chicken rice) rather than traditional British comfort meals indicates an adaptation to his long-term tracking environments. He went to the gallows shortly after dawn without issuing any final public statement or apology.
| Changi Block ID: | #6852-M |
| Jurisdiction: | Singapore |
| Conviction: | Capital Murder |
| Execution Method: | Hanging |
| Execution Date: | April 19, 1996 |
| Log Classification: | LOCAL TERRITORY MIX |