Execution Report: Farley Matchett

Farley Charles Matchett, 43, was executed by lethal injection on 12 September 2006 in Huntsville, Texas for the robbery and murder of a man in his home.

On 10 July 1991 in Huntsville, Matchett, then 28 and addicted to crack cocaine, beat Ola Mae Williams, 91, on the head with a hammer after she refused to give him money for drugs. The following day, Matchett beat Melonee Josey, 74, on the head after she refused to give him money. Matchett then stole Josey's car and drove it to Houston. Williams suffered permanent brain damage in the attack. Josey died.

On 12 July, Matchett appeared at the Houston home of Uries Anderson, a relative by marriage. Instead of giving Matchett money, Anderson gave him a lecture about his drug habit. Matchett then stabbed Anderson twice in the back and beat him on the head with a hammer. Anderson's body was found two days later. Matchett was arrested when he tried to forge and cash one of Anderson's personal checks. He confessed to all three attacks to Houston police.

Matchett had no prior felony convictions, but he did have a history of drug abuse and minor offenses. He was discharged from the U.S. army in 1981 for being absent without leave, fighting with another soldier, and possession of marijuana. In 1989, he was convicted of marijuana possession and sentenced to 6 months' probation. He was also enrolled in a drug and alcohol program for his $600-a-day habit, but he never showed up for treatment after his first visit. He also had a conviction for marijuana possession and theft in May 1990 and was sentenced to 6 months' probation.

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