Execution Report: Juan Chavez

Continued from Page 1

A jury convicted Chavez of capital murder in March 1996 and sentenced him to death. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction and sentence in April 1999. All of his subsequent appeals in state and federal court were denied.

On death row, Chavez declined interview requests from the media. He maintained his innocence.

"To the media, I would like for you to tell all the victims and their loved ones that I am truly, truly sorry for taking their loved ones' lives," Chavez said at his execution. "I am a different person now, but that does not change the fact of the bad things I have committed." Chavez finished his last statement by telling his relatives, "God is the way, the truth, and the life." He then told the warden he was ready and closed his eyes, and the lethal injection was started. After a few seconds, Chavez opened his eyes and asked, "Is it working?" He then closed his eyes again and began praying. He was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m.

By David Carson. Posted on 23 April 2003.
Sources: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Attorney General's Office, Associated Press, Dallas Morning News, Huntsville Item.