Execution Report: James Clayton

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In November 1988, a jury found James Clayton guilty of capital murder and sentenced him to death. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed his conviction and sentence in January 1993. All of his subsequent appeals in state and federal court were denied.

Clayton pleaded not guilty at his trial and maintained his innocence throughout his appeals.

Clayton was one of seven inmates who attempted to escape from the Ellis Unit on Thanksgiving of 1998. One of the seven, Martin Gurule, did manage to escape, but was fatally shot by guards while doing so. Clayton and the other five surrendered. At his execution, Clayton expressed love and professed his faith in Jesus. "There is no anger in my heart about this entire situation," he said in his final statement.

By David Carson. Posted on 18 March 2002.
Sources: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Attorney General's office, Associated Press.