Execution Report: Manuel Garza

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According to a press release from the Texas Attorney General's Office, prosecutors presented evidence of 25 crimes Garza had committed since age 14. Eight of the crimes listed were motor vehicle thefts, and most of the others were burglaries and thefts. He had no prison record.

A jury found Garza guilty of capital murder in October 2002 and sentenced him to death. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction and sentence in February 2005. All of his subsequent appeals in state and federal court were denied.

Three San Antonio police officers who were Riojas' friends attended Garza's execution in their uniforms. Riojas' sister, who also works for the police department, was there as well. Several dozen more officers waited outside the prison.

In his final statement, Garza said he was sorry for causing pain to his family, friends, and "especially police officers."

"Y'all probably hate me," he said, looking at the officers. He wished them "peace and love and hope y'all find God like I have, and I'll see you on the other side."

The lethal injection was then started. Garza said, "Here it comes!" He then said goodbye and let out what Associated Press reporter Michael Graczyk described as a "howl" before he stopped breathing. He was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m.

By David Carson. Posted on 18 May 2015.
Sources: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Attorney General's Office, court documents, Associated Press, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News.