In that entire century, Maine did not have a death penalty. So WTH?
BINGO!! You've hit on the #1 reason why all the foolishness about Philip dying, being hanged, etc. because he's confessed is the single most ridiculous plot point in what's already the most ridiculous plot turn ever.
Carolyn speaks on the phone to the new Collinsport sheriff, and she tells him, "You must call in a psychiatrist or something."
The Soup could dedicate an entire segment to that called Carolyn Stoddard, Unlikely Voice of Reason.
Oh, if only
The Soup had been on back then! Think of what they could have done with some parts of DS.
Someplace Adam's shivering without his sweater.
LOL
But, actually, Adam's sweater was a turtleneck. All the better to hide his scars, I suppose.