Texas Execution Information Center

Execution Report: George Whitaker

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At Whitaker's punishment hearing, the state presented evidence of his violent behavior. Selena Jackson testified that Whitaker hit her on her head or face on four occasions during their relationship. Catina Carrier testified about two incidents where Whitaker hit her on the head, and one where he choked her while she slept. She also testified that he often took the money she earned. She broke off their engagement, quit her job, and secretly moved in with a friend because she feared him. A friend of Catina's testified that Whitaker seized her a few days before the shootings and forced her at knifepoint to call Catina to have her meet him.

A jury convicted Whitaker of capital murder in March 1996 and sentenced him to death. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction and sentence in May 1998. All of his subsequent appeals in state and federal court were denied.

Whitaker declined to be interviewed from death row.

"I apologize for the pain and suffering I caused," Whitaker said in his last statement at his execution. "I pray Lord, please forgive me." He also asked his family members who attended to remember him and take care of his two children. Members of the victim's family did not attend. When the lethal injection was started, Whitaker said, "You all take care. I love y'all. I'm going on to sleep." He was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m.

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By David Carson. Posted on 13 November 2008.
Sources: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Attorney General's Office, Associated Press, Houston Chronicle.

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