Execution Report: Windell Broussard

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In June 1993, a jury found Windell Broussard guilty of the capital murder of Dianna Harris Broussard and Corey Harris, and sentenced him to death. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed his conviction and sentence in October 1995. All of his other appeals in state and federal court were denied.

One of the grounds of Broussard's appeals was that DNA testing should have been done on blood and fingernail samples taken from the victim's home. The state district judge presiding over the case declined the request, writing that Broussard's attorneys had not shown a reasonable probability that the outcome of the case would have been different even if the results from a DNA test were in his favor.

Defense attorneys also claimed that Toccara Harris' testimony was dubious, since she was a child at the time, and the house was dark. They also said that Lessie Hardage has since recanted her testimony that Broussard confessed a murder to her. Broussard maintained his innocence throughout his stay on death row. On the day of his execution, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court, and Governor Rick Perry all declined requests from Broussard's lawyers for a stay.

"I just want everyone to know this here is a tragedy. What happened to Dianna, Corey, and what is happening to me, is a tragedy," Broussard said from the execution gurney. "Here I am Lord, I have come to do your will." Thus concluding his last statement, the lethal injection was administered. Windell Broussard was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m.

By David Carson. Posted on 31 January 2002.
Sources: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Attorney General's office, Associated Press, Beaumont Enterprise, Dallas Morning News, Huntsville Item.