Texas death row: See the 13 men executed in 2018

>> See the Texas death row inmates who have been executed so far in 2018...

Houston Chronicle

Alvin Braziel was convicted of murdering Douglas White and sexually assaulting his newlywed bride, Lora White, in a botched robbery as the couple enjoyed an evening jog in a Dallas-area community college in 1993. He was executed Dec. 11, 2018.

Final statement: "Yes Sir, I would like to thank the Shape Community Center for all their support. I would like to thank all those overseas, Italy and France, for their support for the death row prisoners. I would also like to apologize to Lori for the second time for her husband dying at my hand. To the White family and to Tashell for not being there, I Love you. I’m finished Warden you may proceed.”

TDCJ

Joseph Garcia was executed Dec. 4 for the "Texas 7" prison escape and multi-state crime spree that included the Christmas Eve 2000 killing of Officer Aubrey Hawkins in Irving.

Final statement: "Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive them for they know not what they do."

Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Robert Ramos was executed on Nov. 14 for the 1992 slaying of his wife and two kids.

Last statement: "I am very thankful for all the hard work the Mexican consulate put in a fight over my death sentence if there was a reason or not. I am thankful for the humane treatment that I was given here at the two prisons that I was at. I am getting my gold watch that it took the Governor 30 years to forge. Thank you God, Lord send me a chariot. I’m ready."

Associated Press

Daniel Acker was executed September 27, 2018, for fatally running over his girlfriend in 2000.

No last statement.

Associated Press

Troy Clark was put to death on Sep. 26, 2018, for an East Texas murder.

Last words: "Thank you I love you all. Sandra, nice meeting you. I Love ya’ll. It’s all good. I’m not the one that killed Christina, so whatever makes ya’ll happy. I love ya’ll. I’ll see you on the other side. Ya’ll be good. OK Warden I’m ready."

TDCJ

Christopher Young was executed on July 17, 2018, in the death of a San Antonio businessman.

Last statement: "I want to make sure the Patel family knows I love them like they love me. Make sure the kids in the world know I’m being executed and those kids I’ve been mentoring keep this fight going. I’m good Warden."

Danny Bible was executed on June 27, 2018.

No last statement.

HOGP

Juan Edward Castillo was executed on May 16, 2018.

Last words: "To everyone that has been there for me you know who you are: Love ya'll. See y'all on the other side. That's it."Mike Graczyk/Associated Press

Erick Daniel Davila was executed on April 25, 2018.

Last words: "Yes, I would like to say nephew it burns huh. You know I might have lost the fight but I’m still a soldier. I still love you all. To my supporters and family y’all hold it down. Ten Toes down right. That’s all."

Texas Dept of Criminal Justice

Suitcase Killer, Rosendo Rodriguez III, was executed on March 27, 2018.

Last words: "First I would like to say I have been here since September 2005. I had the honor and privilege to know many prison guards and staff. I want to thank all of them. I would like for everyone to write the people on death row as they are all good men and I am very happy I got to know them. All of their lives are worth knowing about. Secondly on February 14th the medical examiner and the chief nurse were engaged in numerous false illegal acts. They tried to cover up that thousands were wrongfully convicted by Matt Powell, district attorney. This needs to be brought to justice. I call upon the FBI to investigate Matt Powell and the Lubbock County Medical Examiner. Lastly, I was born and raised Catholic and it was not lost upon me that this is Holy Week and last Sunday was Palm Sunday. Yesterday was my birthday. Today is the day I join my God and father. The state may have my body but not my soul. In order to save my brothers on death row I call upon Pope Francis and all the people of the world. Lastly, I want everyone to boycott every single business in the state of Texas until all the businesses are pressed to stop the death penalty. With that Lord I commend my spirit. Warden, I am ready to join my father."

Associated Press

John David Battaglia was executed on February 1, 2018.

Last words: "No, Well, Hi Mary Jean. See y’all later. Go ahead please."

HOGP

William Earl Rayford was executed on January 30, 2018.

Last Words: "First I would like to praise my Lord Jesus Christ. I ask for forgiveness to the Thomas Family for my past choices I made. Carol did not deserve for what I’ve done. I’ve asked God to forgive me. Please find it in your hearts to forgive me. I’m sorry it has been bothering me for a long time. So I now pray and I will keep you all in my prayers. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. I’m sorry. To my supporters Daniel, brother Charlie, Steve and all who stood by me, thank you. By no means am I happy for what I’ve done. I have asked the Lord to forgive me. Please tell everyone I’m certain I left off some names. Tell my kids I’m sorry for being a disappointment. Thank you. God bless. I’m ready warden."

Tourniquet Killer Anthony Shore was executed on January 18, 2018.

Last Words: "I’d like to take a moment to say I’m sorry. No amount of words could ever undo what I’ve done. To the family of my victims, I wish I could undo that past. It is what it is. God bless all of you, I will die with a clear conscience. I made my peace. There is no others. I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to Barbara Carrol, today is her birthday. I would like to especially thank those that have helped me, you know who you are. God bless everybody until we meet again. I’m ready warden."

Texas Department of Corrections

>> See the Texas death row inmates who have been executed so far in 2018...

TX Corrections

Anthony Shore, a serial killer and child molester known as the "Tourniquet Killer," was executed on Jan. 18, 2018, for the slayings of one woman and three girls between 1986 and 2000.

Last Words: "I’d like to take a moment to say I’m sorry. No amount of words could ever undo what I’ve done. To the family of my victims, I wish I could undo that past. It is what it is. God bless all of you, I will die with a clear conscience. I made my peace. There is no others. I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to Barbara Carrol, today is her birthday. I would like to especially thank those that have helped me, you know who you are. God bless everybody until we meet again. I’m ready warden."

Texas Department of Corrections

Richard Masterson was executed Jan. 20, 2016, for the 2001 strangulation of a female impersonator in Houston.

Last words: "Sending me to a better place. I am alright with this, you have to live and die by the choices that we make. I have made mine. I love you Renee, I am gonna carry your heart and always carry my heart in your heart. I am ready."

Steve Gonzales

Rosendo Rodriguez III, dubbed the "Suitcase Killer," was executed on March 27, 2018, for the 2005 rape and murder of a 29-year-old Lubbock woman. She and a teen girl killed earlier were found stuffed in suitcases in a landfill.

Last words: "First I would like to say I have been here since September 2005. I had the honor and privilege to know many prison guards and staff. I want to thank all of them. I would like for everyone to write the people on death row as they are all good men and I am very happy I got to know them. All of their lives are worth knowing about. Secondly on February 14th the medical examiner and the chief nurse were engaged in numerous false illegal acts. They tried to cover up that thousands were wrongfully convicted by Matt Powell, district attorney. This needs to be brought to justice. I call upon the FBI to investigate Matt Powell and the Lubbock County Medical Examiner. Lastly, I was born and raised Catholic and it was not lost upon me that this is Holy Week and last Sunday was Palm Sunday. Yesterday was my birthday. Today is the day I join my God and father. The state may have my body but not my soul. In order to save my brothers on death row I call upon Pope Francis and all the people of the world. Lastly, I want everyone to boycott every single business in the state of Texas until all the businesses are pressed to stop the death penalty. With that Lord I commend my spirit. Warden, I am ready to join my father."

Associated Press

Ronald Clark O'Bryan, infamously known as "The Candy Man" and "The Man Who Killed Halloween," was executed March 31, 1984, for killing his 8-year-old son on Halloween 1974 with poisoned Pixy Stix candy.

Last words: "What is about to transpire in a few moments is wrong! However, we as human beings do make mistakes and errors. This execution is one of those wrongs yet doesn’t mean our whole system of justice is wrong. Therefore, I would forgive all who have taken part in any way in my death. Also, to anyone I have offended in any way during my 39 years, I pray and ask your forgiveness, just as I forgive anyone who offended me in any way. And I pray and ask God’s forgiveness for all of us respectively as human beings. To my loved ones, I extend my undying love. To those close to me, know in your hearts I love you one and all. God bless you all and may God’s best blessings be always yours. Ronald C. O’Bryan P.S. During my time here, I have been treated well by all T.D.C. personnel."

ED KOLENOVSKY/AP

Angel Maturino Resendiz, a serial killer known as "The Railroad Killer" who claimed to be half-man, half-angel and could not be killed, was executed on June 27, 2006, for the 1998 murder of West University Place physician Claudia Benton. He killed as many as 14 people as he crisscrossed the nation by rail.

Last words: "I want to ask if it is in your heart to forgive me. You don't have to. I know I allowed the devil to rule my life. I just ask you to forgive me and ask the Lord to forgive me for allowing the devil to deceive me. I thank God for having patience with me. I don't deserve to cause you pain. You did not deserve this. I deserve what I am getting."

D Fahleson/Houston Chronicle

Karla Faye Tucker, the first woman to be executed in Texas since 1863, died Feb. 3, 1998, for the 1983 pick-ax slaying of a Houston man.

Last words: "I would like to say to all of you – the Thornton family and Jerry Dean’s family that I am so sorry. I hope God will give you peace with this. Baby, I love you. Ron, give Peggy a hug for me. Everybody has been so good to me. I love all of you very much. I am going to be face to face with Jesus now. Warden Baggett, thank all of you so much. You have been so good to me. I love all of you very much. I will see you all when you get there. I will wait for you."

AP

Pablo Vasquez, dubbed "The Vampire Killer," was executed April 6, 2016, for the 1998 murder of a 12-year-old boy in Donna, Texas. Vazquez scalped the body and drank his blood.

Last words: "I just want to tell my family thank you, my mom and dad and sister and Sabrina. I love you Mercedes. I am sorry to David’s family. This is only way that I can be forgiven. You got your justice right here. That’s it. My trust in Jesus."

Texas Department of Corrections

Rex W. Mays was executed Sept. 24, 2002, for the 1992 stabbing deaths of two young girls, age 10 and 7. Mays, who sometimes entertained children as Uh-Oh the Clown, blamed his actions on a bad day.

Last words: "I would like to say a final prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you today, Lord, and thank You for this opportunity to be with You in paradise. I ask You for forgiveness for the ones that need to be forgiven. Dear Lord, deliver us from evil and give us the comfort and peace and joy that we need. Dear Lord, I ask You right now to be with each of the witnesses and lift them up and be on solid ground. Let them know what has gone on and may we all see each other again. Amen. I would like to thank each witness: Ms. Cox, Whiteside, Reed, Scott, and Chad. I am going to go and see Jesus tonight and reserve a special place for each one of you. You all have been there when no one else was. Thank you for all of your love and support. Just know that I am ready to go. You all know what I've gone through. I am going to a better place with the Lord. I'm mad for one reason, that I'm leaving you behind, when I am going to a better place. Y'all still have to go through this hell on earth. Just remember the good things and not the bad. You are all loved and respected. Warden, just give me parole and let me go home to be with the Lord."

unknown

Robert Ladd was executed Jan. 29, 2015 for the 1996 robbery and murder of a 38-year-old Tyler woman. The victim was beaten to death with a hammer inside her home and her body set on fire.

Last words: "Joanna I really love and care about her, I appreciate her. There is a drawing that I forgot to tell you about, send it to Stacy. Art, I appreciate you. Joanna, tell my family I love them all. Trix I love you too. Teresa I am really sorry, please don’t have hate in your heart. I really feel like this. I hope you can find peace in your heart and happiness. A revenge death won’t get you anything. Joanna, I love you. Let’s ride."

Texas Department of Criminal Justice/AP

Willie Trottie was executed Sept. 10, 2014, for killing his common-law wife, Barbara Canada, and her brother Titus Canada.

Last words: "Nesha, I love you. I hope this brings you some closure. Titus, if his kids are out there, I'm sorry for your dad. Shan, Charlotte, Baisey, I love you. T.T., I love you. Stay strong. Michelle, Tammy, Damen, I'm going home. Lawrence, I love you. I am going home to be with the Lord. Find it in your hearts to forgive me. I'm sorry, stay strong. Jesus, take me home."

Arnold Prieto was executed Jan. 21, 2015 for his role in an armed robbery in 1993 that left three people dead.

Last words: "There are no endings, only beginnings. Love y'all, see you soon."

Associated Press

Ray Jasper was executed May 19, 2014. The San Antonio rapper and two co-defendants were responsible for the death of a 33-year old musical engineer and robbery of his recording studio.

Last words: "I want to say to my family, please take care of each other, stay strong and faithful to God. I thank everyone for supporting me. Christine, I love you. To my daughter: baby, be strong, be positive, have a great life. You know what you meant to me, and I love you. Stay faithful to the Lord. Daughter, I love you, I love you, I love you. May the Lord God almighty in heaven, Jesus Christ see my spirit. Amen. "

AP

George Rivas, leader of the fugitive gang known as the "Texas 7" in Texas' biggest prison break, was executed Feb. 29, 2012, for killing a suburban Dallas police officer.

Last words: "First of all for the Aubrey Hawkins family, I do apologize for everything that happened. Not because I am here, but for closure in your hearts. I really believe that you deserve that. To my wife, Cheri, I am so grateful you're in my life. I love you so dearly. Thank you to my sister and dear friend Katherine Cox, my son and family, friends and family. I love you so dearly. To my friends, all the guys on the row, you have my courtesy and respect. Thank you to the people involved and to the courtesy of the officers. I am grateful for everything in my life. To my wife, take care of yourself. I will be waiting for you. I love you. God Bless. I am ready to go"

AP

Kimberly McCarthy, convicted in the 1997 robbery and killing of her elderly neighbor, on June 26, 2013, became the 500th inmate executed since Texas resumed capital punishment in 1982.

Last words: "I just wanted to say thanks to all who have supported me over the years: Reverend Campbell, for my spiritual guidance; Aaron, the father of Darrian, my son; and Maurie, my attorney. Thank you everybody. This is not a loss, this is a win. You know where I am going. I am going home to be with Jesus. Keep the faith. I love ya'll. Thank you, Chaplain."

HOPD

Lionell Rodriguez was executed June 20, 2007, for the Sept. 5, 1990, fatal shooting of Tracy Gee at a Meyerland intersection in Houston.

Last words: "First of all, you have every right to hate me and every right to want to see this. To you and to my family, you don't deserve to see this. I wasn't going to apologize by letter, I wanted to apologize face to face. None of this should have happened. It is the right thing to do. I have a good family, just like you are a good family. I hope that any bitterness that you have because of what I did, I hope you can learn to forgive. I asked my family to contact you, because they did no wrong. I am responsible and I am sorry to you all. Thank you all my Jefe (dad), my brothers, Maria and my Grandfather. Thank you, we will see each other again. Thank you, Lord Jesus receive my spirit."

Bruce W. Moore/For the Chronicle

Sean Derrick O’Brien was executed July 11, 2006, for the 1993 gang rape and murder of Jennifer Ertman, 14, and Elizabeth Peña, 16, at Houston's T.C. Jester Park.

Last words: "I am sorry. I have always been sorry. It is the worst mistake that I ever made in my whole life. Not because I am here, but because of what I did and I hurt a lot of people - you, and my family. I am sorry; I have always been sorry. I am sorry. You look after each other. I love you all. Be there for one another. Alright. But I am sorry; very sorry. I love you too. Alright."

Ben DeSoto/Houston Chronicle

Stephen Moody was executed Sept. 16, 2009, for the 1991 robbery and murder of a Houston drug supplier.

Last words: "Yes sir, to Joseph's mom and son. I was unable to respond to you in the courtroom. I can only ask that you have the peace that I do. To my brother, you are a good brother. You're the best. And I love you. Can't beat ya. The beautiful lady standing next to you. Kathy you are next to my heart. Amber I love you. Warden, pull the trigger. I love you brother never forget it. Ronnie, Linda, Amber, Kathy. Chaplain Hart you're the best. Love you Thomas."

Mike Graczyk/Associated Press

Christopher Coleman was executed Sept. 22, 2009, for the 1995 murder of three men during a Houston drug deal.

Last words: "Yes, Ain't no way fo' fo', I Love all y'all."

Associated Press file

Edward Green was executed Oct. 5, 2004, for the 1998 robbery and shooting deaths of Helen O'Sullivan, 63, and Edward Perry Haden, 72, in Houston.

Last words: "To my family, to my friends, and people who have accepted me for being the person that I am. To the Sullivan and Hayden families, I do not come here with the intention to make myself out to be a person that I am not. I never claimed to be the best person. I am not the best father, the best son, or the best friend in the world. I did the best I could with what I had. I come with no hate in my heart or bitterness. To my family and to you people, I can only apologize for all the pain I caused you. May God forgive us on this day. I am ready when you are."

Carlos Javier Sanchez/Houston Chronicle

Franklin DeWayne Alix was executed March 30, 2010, for a six-month crime spree that included at least two murders in Houston.

Last words: "I would like to thank my family for their support, love and understanding. I would like to point out some things, I got your letter. It touched me and changed me. What happened was I been wanting to apologize to y'all for your son. They told me not to do it in court. I wrote him a letter but they told me that they tore it up in court. I am not the monster they made me out to be. I made lots of mistakes that took your son. I'll take it to the grave, I will be at peace. You have test and drug results to show it. I am not just taking. I messed up, made poor choices. No rapes, I don't do drugs, I am not an alcoholic. Back to my family, Thank y'all for being here. It is what it is. I got peace in my heart. Thank you. Bye bye y'all. Bye bye peanut."

Brett Coomer/Chronicle

Cameron Todd Willingham was executed on Feb. 17, 2004, for the murder of children in a deliberately set 1991 Christmas-season fire at his Corsicana home.

Last words: "The only statement I want to make is that I am an innocent man - convicted of a crime I did not commit. I have been persecuted for 12 years for something I did not do. From God's dust I came and to dust I will return - so the earth shall become my throne. I gotta go, road dog. I love you Gabby. (Remaining portion of statement omitted due to profanity.)"

Anonymous

Robert Lee Thompson was executed Nov. 19, 2009, for the 1996 robbery and killing of a Houston convenience store clerk.

Last words: "I bear witness that there is no God, but Allah. From Allah we came and from Allah we will return. To my mother, friends I would like to thank you for all that you have done for me. For you love. This is another testimony of faith. We all have to walk this path. Smile, be happy don't cry. To the family of any victims, AsSalaam Alaikum, unto Allah I belong, unto Allah we return. I just want you to know that I never meant any of your family to get hurt. I hope you forgive me. I know Allah will forgive me, Allah is the forgiver. Go ahead Warden. I love you, love you too."

Johnny Hanson/Chronicle

Allen Wayne Janecka was executed July 24, 2003, for the for the 1979 murder of a 14-month-old boy in an inheritance scheme that shocked Houston and fooled medical examiners.

Last words: "First of all, I want to say God bless everyone here today. For many years I have done things my way, which caused a lot of pain to me, my family and many others. Today I have come to realize that for peace and happiness, one has to do things God's way. I want to thank my family for their support. I love you. I am taking you with me. You all stay strong. I love you. I also want to say thanks to the Chaplains who I have met through the years and who have brought me a long way. And I cherish you as my family and at this time...oh, Ken, my little son, I am coming to see you. Oh Lord, into your hands I commit my spirit. Thy will be done."

Mike Graczyk/AP

Robert Coulson was executed June 25, 2002, for the 1992 murder of five family members in Spring Branch.

Last words: "I'm innocent. I had nothing to do with my family's murders. I want to thank everyone who has supported me. I hope they continue to fight. You know who you are. That's all. Thank you, Warden."

D. Fahleson/HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Gary Graham, also known as Shaka Sankofa, was executed June 22, 2000, for robbing and killing a Houston man in 1981.

Last words: "I would like to say that I did not kill Bobby Lambert. That I'm an innocent black man that is being murdered. This is a lynching that is happening in America tonight. There's overwhelming and compelling evidence of my defense that has never been heard in any court of America. What is happening here is an outrage for any civilized country to anybody anywhere to look at what's happening here is wrong. I thank all of the people that have rallied to my cause. They've been standing in support of me. Who have finished with me. I say to Mr. Lambert's family, I did not kill Bobby Lambert. You are pursuing the execution of an innocent man. I want to express my sincere thanks to all of ya'll. We must continue to move forward and do everything we can to outlaw legal lynching in America. We must continue to stay strong all around the world, and people must come together to stop the systematic killing of poor and innocent black people. We must continue to stand together in unity and to demand a moratorium on all executions. We must not let this murder/lynching be forgotten tonight, my brothers. We must take it to the nation. We must keep our faith. We must go forward. We recognize that many leaders have died. Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and others who stood up for what was right. They stood up for what was just. We must, you must brothers, that's why I have called you today. You must carry on that condition. What is here is just a lynching that is taking place. But they're going to keep on lynching us for the next 100 years, if you do not carry on that tradition, and that period of resistance. We will prevail. We may loose this battle, but we will...

AP

Jamie McCoskey was executed Nov. 12, 2013, for the 1991 kidnapping and murder of 20-year-old Michael Keith Dwyer and his 19-year-old fiance fin Houston.

Last words: "The best time in my life is during this period. If I had to do again, I would not change a thing. I have been touched by an angel's wings. If I had it to do again, I would change Dwyer's parents suffering, because I know they are. I know that is not going to eliminate the pain, because I have a child. God, I want to say something so bad. I appreciate the people that helped me out. I appreciate the people that helped me out, and uh, know that I love you, Angel and your family and all the people that helped me out. And if this takes the pain away, so be it. I love you. I'm ready to go."

Texas Department of Criminal Justice/AP

James Bigby was executed March 14, 2017, for a 1987 Christmas Eve killing spree that claimed a Fort Worth area man and infant, as well as at least two other men.

Last words: "Grace Kehler is that you? I have given Warden Jones a written statement that will explain a lot more. I hope this will bring you closure and answers to some questions. I hope this will bring you peace and I'm sorry for all the pain and suffering. I'm sorry it went on for a terribly long time. I'm sorry to you especially Grace Kehler. To the Kehler, Johnson and Crain family, I pray that you won't hate Jesus, the letter will explain more. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I hope that my death will bring you peace and closure. I pray that maybe someday will bring you peace. I hope that you could forgive me, but if you don't I understand. I don't think I could forgive anyone who would of killed my children. I'm sorry for your suffering you've had for a long time. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I love you Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus."

Associated Press

Rolando Ruiz, the triggerman in a 1992 murder-for-hire plot in Bexar County, was executed March 7, 2017.

Last words: “I would first like to say to the Sanchez family how sorry I am. Words cannot begin to express how sorry I am and the hurt that I have caused you and your family. May this bring you peace and forgiveness. I am sorry. To my family, thank you for all your love and support. I am at peace. Jesus Christ is Lord. I love you all. Thank you Warden that is it.”

HOGP

Terry Edwards was executed Jan. 26, 2017, for the 2002 fatal shooting of a man and woman in a Dallas-area sandwich shop.

Last words: "Yes, I made peace with God. I hope y'all make peace with this."

AP

Adam Kelly Ward, deemed mentally ill, was executed March 22, 2016, for the 2005 shooting death of a city code enforcement officer in Commerce, Texas.

Last words: "When the truth comes out I hope that they can find closure. There are a lot of things that are not right in this world, I have had to overcome them myself. I hope all that are on the row, I hope they find peace and solace in their life. Everyone can find peace in a Christian God or whatever God they believe in. I thank you mom and dad for everything, I love you dearly. One last thing, I thank all of my friends that showed loyalty and graced my life with more positive. I would also like to thank Gustav’s mother for having such a great son, and showing me much love. I have met good people on the row, not all of them are bad. I hope everyone can see that. I just want to thank everybody that came to witness this. I thank everyone, I am sorry things didn’t work out. May God forgive us all? I am sorry mother and I am sorry father. I hope you find peace and solace in your heart. I know there is something else I need to say. I feel that."

Texas Department of Corrections

Coy Wayne "Elvis" Wesbrook, a mass murdered responsible for five deaths in Channelview in 1997, was executed March 9, 2016.

Last words: "Yeah, first off, I want to say that I am sorry for the pain that I have caused you people. I am sorry that I cannot bring everybody back. I wish it could be different. I know it would be hard for you to understand what went on that night, I can’t bring them back as much as I would like to. I love my daughter and all of my supporters. I pray that the Lord take care of me and all of you. I have no bad sentiment towards anyone. I can understand your outrage and why you are mad at me. God be with all of us."

Brett Coomer/Staff

Gustavo Garcia was executed Feb. 16, 2016, after 24 years on death row and a failed escape attempt, for the 1990 murder of a Plano man during a Warehouse Beverage Store robbery.

Last words: "To my family, to my mom, I love you. God bless you, stay strong. I'm done."

BRETT COOMER/AP