In a haunting final statement, a Texas death row inmate declared his innocence moments before being executed for a brutal murder. The convicted killer, who spent years appealing his sentence, maintained his claim of wrongful conviction until his last breath.
The Crime That Shocked Texas
The case dates back to 2004 when the victim was found stabbed multiple times in what prosecutors described as a particularly vicious attack. Forensic evidence and witness testimony led to the conviction, though the defendant consistently denied involvement.
A Controversial Execution
As the lethal injection was administered, the prisoner's final words echoed through the execution chamber: "He's innocent." This dramatic claim has reignited debate about capital punishment in Texas, which executes more prisoners than any other US state.
Reactions to the Execution
Victim advocates argue justice was served, while anti-death penalty campaigners point to the case as another example of potential flaws in the legal system. Legal experts note that last-minute claims of innocence are not uncommon in capital cases.
The execution proceeded without technical difficulties, marking the state's first use of the death penalty this year. Texas currently has over 200 inmates on death row awaiting execution dates.
