Execution Report: Willis Barnes

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In an interview prior to his execution, Barnes admitted stealing the guns and television from Greb's home, but said he was innocent of murder. "This is the truth: I did not kill Mrs. Greb. The record will reflect that, if they would just look at it." Barnes said that the jury that convicted him "was misled by evil. They was in the devil's workshop." He also said he never raped the victim in the 1984 case.

Barnes said that his life was normal until he began using cocaine in 1982, and he turned to crime to make money. By the time of his 1984 arrest, his habit was costing him $350 a day, he said.

"God has been good to me, even in this place," Barnes said. "The only thing I am afraid of is the pain for my family ... that they might have to endure. That worries me the most." He said, "If I die, they will never know the truth. If I die, they will think until it's time for them to die that I was the person that committed this crime, only because they were influenced by the state to hear false testimony."

At his execution, once Barnes was strapped to the gurney, the witnesses were led into viewing rooms. Barnes chuckled to the prison officials, saying, "They said one guy was shaking so bad he had the whole building shaking. I'm not doing that, am I?"

Barnes began his last statement by expressing love to his family. Then, he said, "To the victim's family: I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me, as I have forgiven you. I'm ready, Warden. The lethal injection was then started. He was pronounced dead at 6:19 p.m.

By David Carson. Posted on 20 November 2006.
Sources: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Associated Press, Huntsville Item.