A Death Row convict has been executed after expressing remorse in his final words. Cedric Ricks, aged 51, was put to death on Wednesday for the 2013 murders of his girlfriend and her eight-year-old son by fatal stabbing. Ricks, who used a lethal dose of pentobarbital, apologized to the surviving older son who sustained multiple stab wounds and witnessed the execution at the Huntsville state penitentiary in Texas.
The condemned man was sentenced for the killings of Roxann Sanchez, 30, and her son Anthony Figueroa in their Bedford apartment near Dallas-Fort Worth. Marcus Figueroa, Sanchez’s 12-year-old son, was stabbed 25 times but managed to survive by pretending to be dead during the brutal attack.
Ricks repeatedly apologized to seven relatives of his victims, focusing on Marcus Figueroa, who observed the execution without displaying any emotion. Visible scars on Marcus Figueroa’s neck, remnants of the attack, served as a stark reminder of the tragic incident.
In his final statement, Ricks expressed his deep regret for taking the lives of Roxann and Anthony, hoping for eventual forgiveness from their family members. He directed a personal apology to Marcus Figueroa, acknowledging the pain of losing his mother and brother. Ricks expressed sorrow for the trauma caused and wished for peace and joy for the survivors.
Before the lethal injection, Ricks concluded his statement by expressing his desire for peace for the victims’ families. Witnesses present included Roxann Sanchez’s stepfather and brother, as well as Anthony Figueroa’s father, brother, and grandmother, who all maintained composure during the proceedings and chose not to engage with the press afterward.
The fatal incident occurred during an argument between Ricks and Sanchez in their apartment, leading to a violent confrontation where Ricks resorted to using a kitchen knife. Marcus Figueroa managed to hide and call for help, while Ricks proceeded to carry out the fatal attacks. Ricks spared his own infant son during the ordeal and later fled the scene, eventually being apprehended in Oklahoma.
Ricks’ final appeal was denied by the US Supreme Court without providing a reason. His legal team had contended that the jury selection process in his trial infringed upon his constitutional rights by excluding potential jurors based on race.
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