Cedric Ricks Executed After Final Apology to Victims' Family
Cedric Ricks, a convicted double murderer, was executed by lethal injection on Wednesday night at the state prison in Huntsville, Texas. The 51-year-old used his final words to express remorse and apologise directly to the family of his victims, Roxann Sanchez, 30, and her eight-year-old son Anthony Figueroa.
The Crimes and the Execution
Ricks fatally stabbed Sanchez and Anthony Figueroa at their apartment in Bedford, Texas, in 2013 following an argument. He also attacked Sanchez's older son, Marcus Figueroa, who was 12 at the time and survived by feigning death. The execution occurred 13 years after the crimes, with Marcus and six other relatives witnessing the procedure.
Strapped to a gurney, Ricks received a lethal drug dose and was pronounced dead 30 minutes later. Witnesses reported he took 19 quick breaths and made 10 snoring sounds as the drugs took effect.
Final Words of Remorse
In his last statement, Ricks addressed the family, saying, "I want to say that I’m sorry for taking Roxann and Anthony from y’all. I’m glad to be able to speak to tell y'all that face to face." He expressed hope that the relatives would one day find it in their hearts to forgive him.
Specifically speaking to Marcus, Ricks added, "I always thought about you and I’m sorry that I took your mom and your brother away. I hate that you had to experience that, I just can’t imagine, but I’m truly sorry for what I’ve done, and I wish y’all peace and joy as much as you can but I’m sorry, that’s all I can say... I hope y’all go in peace. I really do. I’m sorry."
Background of the Case
During the incident, Ricks grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Sanchez multiple times after a row. Marcus ran to his bedroom closet and attempted to call police. After killing Anthony, Ricks turned on Marcus, who played dead until the attacker left the apartment. According to court records, Ricks did not harm his own then-nine-month-old son Isaiah, who was present.
Ricks fled the scene and was later arrested in Oklahoma, which neighbours Texas. At his capital murder trial, he testified about having anger issues and claimed he was defending himself against the two boys, to whom he was not the biological father, after they came to their mother’s defence.
Speaking at the trial, Ricks said, "Explaining my rage, I was upset. Things happen. I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know. I wish I could bring them back, like, right now." He was sentenced to death over a decade ago, culminating in this week's execution.
