Execution Report: Terry Hankins

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At his trial, Hankins pleaded not guilty. In some notes and documents that were presented into evidence, Hankins described himself as a "non-caring monster" and wrote, "I guess to sum it all up, I'm guilty of murder, incest, hatred, fraud, theft jealousy, envy." Although these notes and some blood and hair evidence incriminating Hankins were presented, the most damaging evidence was his confession given to police. Hankin's attorney sought to have this confession ruled inadmissible, claiming that his arrest was illegal because the arrest warrant was issued based on insufficient circumstantial evidence. The court disagreed, and a jury found Hankins guilty of capital murder in May 2002 and sentenced him to death.

On appeal, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals agreed that Hankins' arrest was illegal, but nevertheless his confession was admissible because he was fully informed of his rights after his arrest, and he voluntarily waived his right to remain silent. The appeals court affirmed the conviction and sentence in April 2004. All of his subsequent appeals in state and federal court were denied.

"I am sorry for what I've done, and for all the pain and suffering my actions caused," Hankins said in his last statement at his execution. He also proclaimed his faith in Jesus. The lethal injection was then started. He was pronounced dead at 6:19 p.m.

Hankins' execution was attended by Ruthie Hedleston, who was the ex-wife of Hankins' good friend. Hedleston said that Hankins lived with them for two years and that he beat her. "The reason I was there was to make the feeling I've had for seven years go away - the fear of him," she said. "He has haunted me for seven years." After watching him die, she said, "I believed him that he's sorry, but that doesn't mean I can forgive him for what he did."

Hankins' execution was the 200th to be held during the tenure of Governor Rick Perry, who took office in December 2000. Before Perry, the highest number of executions held during a governor's tenure was 152, during George W. Bush's six years in office.

By David Carson. Posted on 2 June 2009.
Sources: Texas Attorney General's office, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, court documents, Associated Press.