Texas Man Executed Decades After Fatal Robbery

Jamaal Howard, 46, was pronounced dead at 8:03 p.m. on Wednesday after receiving a lethal dose of pentobarbital at the state prison in Huntsville, Texas.

Howard was convicted of killing 42-year-old Vickie Swartout during a convenience store robbery in 2000. The fatal shooting was captured on surveillance video. His execution makes him the 30th person put to death in the United States this year. It also comes one week after Tennessee failed in its attempt to execute Christa Pike by lethal injection.

Before the injection was administered, Howard apologised to members of Swartout’s family who watched the execution from a nearby witness room.

“I wish that you accept my apology and I wish for your forgiveness,” Howard said. “I’m sorry for what happened. I wish you can learn to forgive me one of these days.”

Howard also thanked his family and friends, told them he loved them and said he had found peace through his faith. His final remarks included a message encouraging those present to enjoy life.

After the pentobarbital began flowing, Howard took several breaths and gasped before making snoring sounds and coughing. His movements stopped within about 30 seconds, and prison officials pronounced him dead 19 minutes later.

Howard’s sister was among those witnessing the execution from an adjoining room. She became distressed during the procedure and repeatedly asked to leave before corrections officers helped her out of the witness area.

The execution adds to the number of death sentences carried out across the United States this year and places further attention on the continued use of lethal injection in states that retain the death penalty.