Joseph Roland Ernst
Joseph Roland Ernst (February 17, 1937 – July 31, 1962) was an American neo-Nazi from Camden, New Jersey. He became the second-to-last person to be executed in New Jersey and the last to be executed against his will.
Ernst had been on parole for a 1956 car theft when he dated 17-year-old Joan Connor. In March 1959, Joan ended the relationship after believing Ernst was interested in another girl, Theresa Linden. On March 5, Ernst assaulted Joan by striking her head with a soda bottle and then fled to Newark to avoid going back to prison.
On March 14, 1959, Ernst returned to Camden armed with a .32 caliber revolver and a stolen P-38 pistol, planning to kill both Joan and Mrs. Linden. He tried to find Linden, then shot Joan when she appeared at the front door, hitting her three times and killing her. He fled to Newark and was arrested on March 16. Ernst and his companion were charged with murder.
On June 25, 1959, Ernst was convicted of first-degree murder. The jury did not recommend mercy, and he was sentenced to death. He later appeals sought to change the conviction, and a federal stay was granted to pursue further appeals.
Ernst was described by others as a devoted Adolf Hitler admirer, with anti-Semitic views, and there were reports that he believed extermination of Jews was fabricated by Zionists. He reportedly had the word “Hate” tattooed on his fingers at the time of the murder.
Clearing all mercy pleas, he was executed by electric chair at Trenton State Prison on July 31, 1962. His last meal included turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and peas, lemon meringue pie, ice cream, a layer cake, and cigars. His final words were, “You’re not going to see anything.” Ernst was the last person to be executed in New Jersey against his will.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 22:25 (CET).