I'm going to go waaaaaay out on a limb here: do we have the capability of time travel??
Excellent observation anon. Probably accompanied to make sure he's dead.
When I was 5 yrs old, shortly before my grandfather died, he was telling me you don't have to go to church in order to pray to God. He hears you wherever you are. I never was a big church goer, but I am spiritual and pray for God's guidance and strength and blessings for others.
All good possible scenarios anon. McStain may have been concerned for his family's legacy. Maybe he said: "Let me die in prison for my crimes, but don't let it destroy my family. Let the public think I've already died."
Having said that, any planes departing Arizona for GITMO??