Execution Report: Charles Tuttle

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A jury found Tuttle guilty of capital murder in February 1996 and sentenced him to death. When the death sentence was announced, Tuttle smiled and said, "That's what I want, that's what I got. An eye for an eye."

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction and sentence in November 1997. His lawyers then filed the next appeal, but a month later, Tuttle wrote the court requesting to waive his appeals and have a date set for execution. After a competency hearing, the court granted his request. Tuttle did not allow his attorneys to file any late appeals on his behalf. He also declined requests from reporters to be interviewed from death row.

In his last statement at his execution, Tuttle turned his head toward members of Harris's family and apologized for the killing.

"I am truly sorry," he said. "I hope dropping my appeals has in some way began your healing process. This is all I can do to help you out in any way for the nightmare and pain I have caused you. I am truly sorry, and wish I could take back what I did, but I can't. I hope this heals you."

Tuttle then spoke to his own family, telling them he loved them, and adding, "When the tears flow, let the smiles grow. Everything is all right."

The lethal injection was then started. He was pronounced dead at 6:28 p.m.

By David Carson. Posted on 17 March 2016.
Sources: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Attorney General's Office, Associated Press, Dallas Morning News.