The Official Last Statements Of 28 Texas Death Row Inmates Right Before They Were Executed
1.
Offender: Henry Porter #551
Date of Execution: July 9, 1985
Last Statement: I want to thank Father Walsh for his spiritual help. I want to thank Bob Ray (Sanders) and Steve Blow for their friendship. What I want people to know is that they call me a cold-blooded killer when I shot a man that shot me first. The only thing that convicted me was that I am a Mexican and that he was a police officer. People hollered for my life, and they are to have my life tonight. The people never hollered for the life of the policeman that killed a thirteen-year-old boy who was handcuffed in the back seat of a police car. The people never hollered for the life of a Houston police officer who beat up and drowned Jose Campo Torres and threw his body in the river. You call that equal justice. This is your equal justice. This is America’s equal justice. A Mexican’s life is worth nothing. When a policeman kills someone he gets a suspended sentence or probation. When a Mexican kills a police officer this is what you get. From there you call me a cold-blooded murderer. I didn’t tie anyone to a stretcher. I didn’t pump any poison into anybody’s veins from behind a locked door. You call this justice. I call this and your society a bunch of cold-blooded murderers. I don’t say this with any bitterness or anger. I just say this with truthfulness. I hope God forgives me for all my sins. I hope that God will be as merciful to society as he has been to me. I’m ready, Warden.
2.
Offender: Charles William Bass #662
Date of Execution: April 12, 1986
Last Statement: I deserve this. Tell everyone I said goodbye.
3.
Offender: Carl Kelly #688
Date of Execution: August 20, 1993
Last Statement: I’m an African warrior, born to breathe, and born to die.
4.
Offender: Warren Bridge #668
Date of Execution: November 22, 1994
Last Statement: I’ll see you.
5.
Offender: Billy C. Gardner #751
Date of Execution: February 16, 1995
Last Statement: I forgive all of you—hope God forgives all of you, too.
6.
Offender: John Fearance #626
Date of Execution: June 20, 1995
Last Statement: I would like to say that I have no animosity toward anyone. I made a mistake 18 years ago—I lost control of my mind but I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I have no hate toward humanity. I hope He will forgive me for what I done. I didn’t mean to.
7.
Offender: Carl Johnson #633
Date of Execution: September 19, 1995
Last Statement: I want the world to know that I’m innocent and that I’ve found peace. Let’s ride.
8.
Offender: John K. Barefield #844
Date of Execution: March 12, 1997
Last Statement: (Mumbled.) Tell Mama I love her.
9.
Offender: Earl Behringer #914
Date of Execution: June 11, 1997
Last Statement: It’s a good day to die. I walked in here like a man and I am leaving here like a man. I had a good life. I have known the love of a good woman, my wife. I have a good family. My grandmother is the pillar of the community. I love and cherish my friends and family. Thank you for your love.
To the Hancock family, I am sorry for the pain I caused you. If my death gives you any peace, so be it.
I want my friends to know it is not the way to die, but I belong to Jesus Christ. I confess my sins. I have…
10.
Offender: Charlie Livingston #802
Date of Execution: November 21, 1997
Last Statement: You all brought me here to be executed, not to make a speech. That’s it.
11.
Offender: Jerry Lee Hogue #660
Date of Execution: March 11, 1998
Last Statement: Mindy, I’m with you, honey. I do not know why, Mindy, you are doing this, but I will still forgive you. You know he is a murderer. Why don’t you support me? He will do it again. Mindy, you are lucky you are still alive.
Give my love to my family. I love them. Mindy, you can stop this.
O.K., I’m ready.
12.
Offender: David Castillo #770
Date of Execution: September 23, 1998
Last Statement: Keep it brief here. Just want to say, uh, family, take care of yourselves. Uh, look at this as a learning experience. Everything happens for a reason. We all know what really happened, but there are some things you just can’t fight. Little people always seem to get squashed. It happens. Even so, just got to take the good with the bad. There is no man that is free from all evil, nor any man that is so evil to be worth nothing. But it’s all part of life, and my family, take care of yourselves. Tell my wife I love her. I’ll keep an eye on everybody, especially my nieces and nephews. I’m pretty good. I love y’all. Take care. I’m ready.
13.
Offender: John Lamb #734
Date of Execution: November 17, 1999
Last Statement: I’m sorry, I wish I could bring them back. I’m done, let’s do it.
14.
Offender: David Long #862
Date of Execution: December 8, 1999
Last Statement: Ah, just ah sorry y’all. I think of tried everything I could to get in touch with y’all to express how sorry I am. I, I never was right after that incident happened. I sent a letter to somebody, you know a letter outlining what I feel about everything. But anyway I just wanted, right after that apologize to you. I’m real sorry for it. I was raised by the California Youth Authority, I can’t really pin point where it started, what happened but really believe that’s just the bottom line, what happened to me was in California. I was in their reformatory schools and penitentiary, but ah they create monsters in there. That’s it, I have nothing else to say. Thanks for coming Jack.
15.
Offender: Brian Roberson #886
Date of Execution: August 9, 2000
Last Statement: Since I have already said all I need to say to all my loved ones, I’m not going to say anything to y’all at this time. Y’all know I love you and y’all know where we’re at. I will see y’all when you get there. So this is my statement. To all of the racist white folks in America that hate black folks and to all of the black folks in America that hate themselves: the infamous words of my famous legendary brother, Matt Turner, “Y’all kiss my black ass.” Let’s do it.
16.
Offender: Jason Eric Massey #999121
Date of Execution: April 3, 2001
Last Statement: Yes, first I would like to speak to the victims’ family. First of all, I would like to say that I do not know any of y’all and that is unfortunate, because I would like to apologize to each and every one of you individually. I can’t imagine what I have taken from y’all, but I do want to apologize and I want to let you know that I did do it. You guys know that I am guilty and I am sorry for what I have done. I apologize and I know that you may not be able to forgive me and I know that may not be able to forgive me in this life and in this world, but I hope sometime in the future you will be able to find it in you to forgive me. And I want you to know that Christina, she did not suffer as much as you think she did. I promise you that. I give you my word. I know you guys want to know where the rest of her remains are. I put her remains in the Trinity River. I have said that since I have come to Death Row. I want to apologize to you again. I hope sometime in the future you can forgive me. Okay, now I want to speak to my mom and my family. Brother Anderson, Kathy, I want you to know that I appreciate all these years that you have been coming to see me on death row and Daddy, I love you. I appreciate y’all being here and being strong for me, and Mama, you know I love you, and I appreciate all of these visits, the letters and everything y’all have done for me. Y’all have been wonderful. You too, Granny. I love y’all and you know, I want to apologize to y’all too for what I have done. For all of the pain that I have caused, but all of this pain has brought us closer together and all of this suffering that we have been through has brought us all closer to the Lord and in the end that is what counts. Isn’t it? That’s what counts in the end; where you stand with Almighty God. I know that God has used this to change my life. And it’s all been worth it because of that. If I lie here today where I lie, I can say in the face of death, Jesus is Lord. He has changed my life and I know that when I leave this body, I am going home to be with the Lord forever. That is all I want to say. I love y’all and I won’t say goodbye, I will say I will see you again. I love you, Daddy. Tonight I dance on the streets of gold. Let those without sin cast the first stone.
17.
Offender: Jeffery Doughtie #999106
Date of Execution: August 16, 2001
Last Statement: For almost nine years I have thought about the death penalty, whether it is right or wrong and I don’t have any answers. But I don’t think the world will be a better or safer place without me. If you had wanted to punish me you would have killed me the day after, instead of killing me now. You are not hurting me now. I have had time to get ready, to tell my family goodbye, to get my life where it needed to be. It started with a needle and it is ending with a needle. Carl, you have been a good friend, man. I am going to look for you. You go back and tell your daughter I love her. Tell her I came in here like a man and I will leave like a man. It’s been good, dude. Thank you, Shorty. I appreciate you. I came in like a man and I will leave like a man. I will be with you. I will be with you every time you take a shower. If you leave crying you don’t do me justice. If you don’t see peace in my eyes you don’t see me. I will be the first one you see when you cross over. They got these numbers that I called today. Calling my family. That is it. Ready, Warden.
18.
Offender: Napoleon Beazley #999141
Date of Execution: May 28, 2002
Last Statement: The act I committed to put me here was not just heinous, it was senseless. But the person that committed that act is no longer here—I am. I’m not going to struggle physically against any restraints. I’m not going to shout, use profanity or make idle threats. Understand though that I’m not only upset, but I’m saddened by what is happening here tonight. I’m not only saddened, but disappointed that a system that is supposed to protect and uphold what is just and right can be so much like me when I made the same shameful mistake. If someone tried to dispose of everyone here for participating in this killing, I’d scream a resounding, “No.” I’d tell them to give them all the gift that they would not give me…and that’s to give them all a second chance. I’m sorry that I am here. I’m sorry that you’re all here. I’m sorry that John Luttig died. And I’m sorry that it was something in me that caused all of this to happen to begin with. Tonight we tell the world that there are no second chances in the eyes of justice…Tonight, we tell our children that in some instances, in some cases, killing is right. This conflict hurts us all, there are no SIDES. The people who support this proceeding think this is justice. The people that think that I should live think that is justice. As difficult as it may seem, this is a clash of ideals, with both parties committed to what they feel is right. But who’s wrong if in the end we’re all victims? In my heart, I have to believe that there is a peaceful compromise to our ideals. I don’t mind if there are none for me, as long as there are for those who are yet to come. There are a lot of men like me on death row—good men—who fell to the same misguided emotions, but may not have recovered as I have. Give those men a chance to do what’s right. Give them a chance to undo their wrongs. A lot of them want to fix the mess they started, but don’t know how. The problem is not in that people aren’t willing to help them find out, but in the system telling them it won’t matter anyway. No one wins tonight. No one gets closure. No one walks away victorious.
19.
Offender: Kelsey Patterson
Date of Execution: May 18, 2004
Last Statement: Statement to what. State What. I am not guilty of the charge of capital murder. Steal me and my family’s money. My truth will always be my truth. There is no kin and no friend; no fear what you do to me. No kin to you undertaker. Murderer. [Portion of statement omitted due to profanity] Get my money. Give me my rights. Give me my rights. Give me my rights. Give me my life back.
20.
Offender: Douglas Roberts
Date of Execution: April 20, 2005
Last Statement: Yes sir, Warden Okay I’ve been hanging around this popsicle stand way too long. Before I leave, I want to tell you all. When I die, bury me deep, lay two speakers at my feet, put some headphones on my head, and rock and roll me when I’m dead. I’ll see you in Heaven someday. That’s all Warden.
21.
Offender: Jonathan Moore
Date of Execution: January 17, 2007
Last Statement: Jennifer, where are you at? I’m sorry, I did not know the man but for a few seconds before I shot him. It was done out of fear, stupidity, and immaturity. It wasn’t until I got locked up and saw the newspaper. I saw his face and his smile and I knew he was a good man. I am sorry for all your family and my disrespect—he deserved better. Sorry Gus. I hope all the best for you and your daughters. I hope you have happiness from here on out. Quit the heroin and methadone. I love you dad, Devin, and Walt. We’re done Warden.
22.
Offender: Gregory Wright #999253
Date of Execution: October 30, 2008
Last Statement: Yes I do. There has been a lot of confusion on who done this. I know you all want closure. Donna had her Christianity in tact when she died. She never went to a drug house. John Adams lied. He went to the police and told them a story. He made deals and sold stuff to keep from going to prison. I left the house, and I left him there. My only act or involvement was not telling on him. John Adams is the one that killed Donna Vick. I took a polygraph and passed. John Adams never volunteered to take one. I have done everything in my power. Donna Vick helped me; she took me off the street. I was a truck driver; my CDL was still active. Donna gave me everything I could ask for. I helped her around the yard. I helped her around the house. She asked if there were anyone else to help. I am a Christian myself, so I told her about John Adam. We picked him up at a dope house. I did not know he was a career criminal. When we got to the house he was jonesin for drugs. He has to go to Dallas. I was in the bathroom when he attacked. I am deaf in one ear and I thought the T.V. was up too loud. I ran in to the bedroom. By the time I came in, when I tried to help her, with first aid, it was too late. The veins were cut on her throat. He stabbed her in her heart, and that’s what killed her. I told John Adams, “turn yourself in or hit the high road.” I owed him a favor because he pulled someone off my back. I was in a fight downtown. Two or three days later he turned on me. I have done everything to prove my innocence. Before you is an innocent man. I love my family. I’ll be waiting on y’all. I’m finished talking.
23.
Offender: Blanton, Reginald
Date of Execution: October 27, 2009
Last Statement: Yes I do. I know y’alls pain, believe me I shed plenty of tears behind Carlos. Carlos was my friend. I didn’t murder him. This what is happening right now is an injustice. This doesn’t solve anything. This will not bring back Carlos. Y’all fought real hard here to prove my innocence. This is only the beginning. I love each and everyone dearly. Dre My queen. I love you. Yaws, Junie I love yall. Stay strong, continue to fight. They are fixing to pump my veins with a lethal drug the American Veterinary Association won’t even allow to be used on dogs. I say I am worse off than a dog. They want to kill me for this; I am not the man that did this. Fight on. I will see y’all again. That’s all I can say.
24.
Offender: Valle, Yosvanis
Date of Execution: November 10, 2009
Last Statement: I am sorry, I never wanted to kill your family. I never wanted to kill your family or these people. I am sorry for the way I talk in English. I did it to myself. I was forced to do it. I was a gang member. I never wanted to kill your brother. I was forced to do this. I blame myself. I am not going to blame nobody. I got my mother and my family too. I was forced. I tell you from my heart. I am sorry with all my heart. That’s the reality of life, I am sorry. I got to pay for it. To my family, I love you, be strong. They have family too; the way they suffer is the way I am suffering. I am asking you to go and give them hugs. Please accept their hugs. Be strong in the Lord. I love you sister. I love you all, please go and try and talk to the family. I love my family. I understand why I am paying this price. Do not have any excuses for not extending your love. I am ready Warden, I am sorry everybody, I did it. Thank you brother, don’t hate nobody, I feel good. I love my family, I love you Jesus. Be strong mama, I love you sister. I love Jesus. Warden I am ready.
25.
Offender: Lee Taylor, TDCJ #999344
Date of Execution: June 16, 2011
Last Statement: Yes, sir. Jennifer, I love you. Mom, I love you. Rick, take care of you. For all of you people, I defended myself when I killed your family member. Prison is a bad place. There was eight against me. I didn’t set out to kill him. I am sorry that I killed him, but he would not have been in prison if he was a saint. I hope y’all understand that. I love you, baby.
I hope people understand the grave injustice by the state. There are 300 people on death row, and everyone is not a monster. Texas is carrying out a very inhumane and injustice. It’s not right to kill anybody just because I killed your people. Everyone changes, right? Life is about experience and people change.
I love you, Jennifer. Mom, I love you and all my friends that I have known over the years that have always been there for me. I am ready to teleport. I love you, baby.
I hope you don’t find satisfaction in this, watching a human being die.
26.
Offender: Mark Stroman, TDCJ #999409
Date of Execution: July 20, 2011
Last Statement: Even though I lay on this gurney, seconds away from my death, I am at total peace. May the Lord Jesus Christ be with me. I am at peace. Hate is going on in this world and it has to stop. Hate causes a lifetime of pain. Even though I lay here I am still at peace. I am still a proud American, Texas loud, Texas proud. God bless America, God bless everyone. Let’s do this damn thing. Director Hazelwood, thank you very much. Thank you everyone. Spark, I love you, all of you. I love you Conna. It’s all good, it’s been a great honor. I feel it; I am going to sleep now. Goodnight, 1, 2 there it goes.
27.
Offender: Ricky Lynn Lewis, #999097
Date of Execution: April 9, 2013
Last Statement: Ms. Connie Hilton, I’m sorry for what happened to you. If I hadn’t raped you, then you wouldn’t have lived. If you look at the transcripts, I didn’t kill Mr. Newman and I didn’t rob your house. There are two people still alive. I was just there. When I saw you in the truck driving away, I could have killed you but I didn’t. I’m not a killer. My momma was abused. I’m sorry for what you’ve gone through. It wasn’t me that harmed and stole all of your stuff. If you look at the transcripts you will see. I ask the good Lord to forgive me.
I love y’all; Sheena, my sister, momma, and daddy. Y’all pray for me, keep up the fight. Get the transcripts, let the truth come out so that I do not die in vain. I thank the Lord for the man I am today. I have done all I can to better myself, to learn to read and write. Take me to my King. I love y’all and thank you for the love you gave me. I respect all of y’all. Ms. Hilton. Ok. Let me rest. It’s burning.
28.
Offender: Richard Cobb, #999467
Date of Execution: April 25, 2013
Last Statement: Life is death, death is life. I hope that someday this absurdity that humanity has come to will come to an end. Life is too short. I hope that anyone that has negative energy towards me will resolve that. Life is too short to harbor feelings of hatred and anger. That’s it.