Execution Report: John Moody

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A jury convicted Moody of capital murder in February 1989 and sentenced him to death. After the sentence was read in court, Moody turned around, looked at his wife, and said, "Thanks a lot, Lynn."

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction and sentence in 1992. All of his subsequent appeals in state and federal court were denied.

Moody's attorney, David Thedford, said that the fingerprint found on the murder instrument was clear and distinct and was especially strong evidence. "There just was no way around it and no way to explain it," he said.

Thedford also said that Moody changed his story many times leading up to the trial. He said Moody once told him he had entered Maulden's house with a man named Red. He was then knocked unconscious, then awoke to find Maulden's body next to him. After Thedford located Red, Moody told him, "Red didn't have anything to do with it."

"That's how it was with Mr. Moody," Thedford said.

Moody declined to speak with reporters in the weeks before his execution, but prior to a 1994 execution date, which was stayed, he gave an interview from Death Row, He said his extensive criminal history was the product of a genetic disorder that was aggravated by the drugs and alcohol he consumed to cope with the physical and mental illnesses it caused. He acknowledged that he knew Maulden, but denied killing her.

"It doesn't bother me anymore," he said about the possibility of being executed. "I'm at peace. I know where I'm going."

The victim's son committed suicide in 1991, three years after his mother's murder. His wife and son attended Moody's execution. It was delayed for about two hours while his lawyers unsuccessfully fought for a stay.

"I'd like to apologize and ask forgiveness for any pain and suffering I have inflicted upon all of you, including my family," Moody said in his last statement. "All of you, I am very sorry."

"There is a point where a man wants to die in judgment. Though my judgment is merciful, I hope and pray that all those involved as well as the judgment upon ya'll, will one day be more merciful than mine." Moody spoke a bit longer, repeating that he was sorry and asking God to bless his witnesses. He concluded by saying, "I've got to go now. I love you."

The lethal injection was then started. He was pronounced dead at 8:33 p.m.

By David Carson. Posted on 7 September 2016.
Sources: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, court documents, Associated Press, murderpedia.com.