Texas man executed for ambush that killed 4 women

[alp227]

Source: AP

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) — A former South Texas street gang member was executed Thursday evening for his involvement in a gang ambush where four women were gunned down 11 years ago.

Robert Gene Garza, 30, became the 12th condemned inmate executed this year in Texas, which carries out capital punishment more than any other state.

Garza smiled and blew a kiss to friends and relatives as they entered the death chamber. In a brief final statement, he thanked them for coming and told them he loved them.

"I know it's hard for you," he said. "It's not easy. This is a release. Y'all finally get to move on with your lives."

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/texas-man-executed-ambush-killed-4-women

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The Rick Perry legacy:

See also: APNewsBreak: Texas won't switch execution drug

[whopis01]

1. There is no reason to have a death penalty. n/t

[7962]

2. Except to get rid of people like this.

[Major Nikon]

4. Executions don't serve justice, only vengefull bloodlusts

The motive you describe is no better than the one that many people use to kill in the first place

[MicaelS]

11. Garza won't ever kill anyone ever again will he?

Like a Prison Guard, another inmate, or a citizen or LEO if he were to escape.

So let's say you get your wish and CP is banned. What are you going to replace it with?

Life Without Parole in Solitary Confinement?

Life Without Parole in a SHU?

Life Without Parole in General Population?

So what are your going to do, if the convicted murderer in for Life Without Parole, kills again in prison?

What further punishment are you going to inflict on him?

[Major Nikon]

15. What do you think states without the death penalty have done?

Do you think the prison homicide rate is higher or lower in those states? I think the answer might surprise you.

Prison homicide has everything to do with how the prison is managed and nothing to do with the death penalty. Furthermore the homicide rate in prisons(4 per 100,000) is already lower than the rest of the US (4.8 per 100,000).

[Bucky]

5. You can rid society of scum without stooping to their level

There's prisons; they're quite secure. Ruthless murderers are just as easily locked up for life w/o parole--in fact more easily locked up, because of how expensive actual executions are.

[Throd]

7. Why are they so expensive?

[7962]

9. Because of endless appeals. And most of them have nothing to do with guilt.

Thats what costs so much money. They wait until one appeal is refused before filing another, so they just line up year after year. If you want to fix the death penalty, (i've said this before) only seek it when there is NO DOUBT as to the guilt of the accused. And the jurors should be instructed as such. No more "beyond reasonable doubt". There are plenty of cases that fit that. And reserved for the most heinous cases. And on a side note, any prosecutor who is found to be faking evidence in any case should have to do mandatory time.

[2ndAmForComputers]

6. Why do you hate Iowa?

And Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin?

[7962]

8. I have no idea what you're talking about.

What, they dont have the death penalty so I hate them? What are you smoking?

[2ndAmForComputers]

10. Civilizedness.

You should try it.

[7962]

12. I am civilized, thats why I'm not on death row. Talk to some of my friends about it.

I agree with you, if everyone was civilized then there'd be no reason for the death penalty. I know 3 families who have had a loved one murdered. 1 of the victims was raped and hung on a fencepost. 2 of the 3 cases the criminal was caught; in the third the guy was shot by police on the street. The other one, the guy was shot for his car. The same guy had already shot 2 other people in the weeks prior for THEIR cars. They were lucky enough to live. I'm not going to tell these families that they're not "civilized' because they feel the ultimate penalty is justified for their family member's murder. Especially the rapist/murderer. I've seen the pain in the eyes. Certainly there are some people who do not wish the criminal be put to death. Fine, that is THEIR choice and I think it should factor into the states decision. But in cases like the ones I know personally, I dont want another dime spent on feeding and housing these vermin. Spare me your self righteousness.

[christx30]

13. I'm ok with the DP.

I'd rather it be without the execution. You're sentenced to death, so they put you in the cell, and you sit there. No hour outside a day. No tv. No reading. No outside contact. You get enough food so you don't die. But you get no medical care. If you get sick, you have it until it runs its course, or you die. That way there is enough time if you are found innocent.
The state isn't the killer then. Your body is.

[7962]

14. How long do you think that would last before it was deemed "cruel & unusual punishment"?

Because you know darn well thats what would come next. First time someone was sentenced in that manner. Heck, we've got people here on DU who think a prisoner should be allowed a gender reassignment on the taxpayer dime.
I'm with you all the way, I just dont think it would ever pass in court. And again, as far as innocence, I only support it in cases where there is NO doubt. Red-handed, so to speak. Plenty of those out there.

[Eleanors38]

3. Don't support the death penalty, but I'll lose no sleep tonight.