Execution Report: Manuel Vasquez

Continued from Page 1

A jury found Vasquez guilty of capital murder in November 1999 and sentenced him to death. The Texas Court of criminal appeals affirmed the conviction and sentence in February 2002. All of his appeals in state and federal court were denied.

Johnny Joe Cruz pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and accepted a seven-year prison sentence in exchange for his testimony against Vasquez. Oligario Lujan received a 35-year sentence.

Vasquez' execution was attended by his sister and a female friend. In his last statement, he expressed loved to them. He did not acknowledge Ybarra's sister, who also attended.

Vasquez then prayed, "Thank you, Lord, for Your mercy and unconditional love. In Jesus' name I pray, amen." He then told the warden, "I'm ready." The lethal injection was then started. His sister cried loudly as the drugs took effect. He was pronounced dead at 6:32 p.m.

By David Carson. Posted on 12 March 2015.
Sources: Sources: Texas Attorney General's office, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, court documents, Associated Press, Texas Tribune.