Execution Report: James Richardson

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Michael James Ellison received a life sentence for murder. James McHenry received a life sentence for capital murder.

Richardson's conviction was reversed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals because a portion of the trial transcript was missing. The state tried Richardson again, and in November 1988, Richardson was once again found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death. All of his subsequent appeals in state and federal court were denied, although he did win two stays of previously scheduled executions so that further court appeals could be made.

At his execution, Richardson offered a prayer of repentance, professed his faith in Jesus Christ, and asked that he be accepted into Heaven. Next, he asked his family to pray for him and asked the victim's witnesses to forgive him and the other two robbers. He then repeated his prayers of confession and asked for assurance that he would go to Heaven.

By David Carson. Posted on 27 March 2002.
Sources: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Attorney General's office.