TEXAS LAST MEAL
ROBERT PEREZ
March 6, 2007

...The Beaver...

Last Meal: Perez had a final meal request of five pieces of fried chicken, one double meat hamburger with cheese and onion, onion rings, three cheese and onion enchiladas, one onion, french fries, hot sauce, pico de gallo, jalapeno peppers and two cokes.

The skinny: Robert "Beaver" Perez, 48, a notorious leader of the prison-based Mexican Mafia gang, was executed by lethal injection for the murder of two fellow gang members. He was linked to more than 15 San Antonio murders. Perez, a father of eight and laborer by trade with only a ninth-grade education, ascended to power within the organization using his charisma and ruthlessness.

More skinny: In the mid-1990’s, the Mexican Mafia, or “La Eme,” in San Antonio was in a state of flux. Perez went gunning for Luis “Blue” Adames, who was seeking to replace Herbert Huerta as President. Huerta had been sentenced to life in federal prison. so he named Diane “Laura” Guzman as general of the San Antonio division. Adames challenged the appointment, naming himself as the new president. The organization split in two, with each faction determined to assassinate the alleged traitors in the other group.

Perez spotted Adames vehicle and along with accomplices Joe Sandoval and Javier Garcia went to arm themselves and then returned to the area, looking for Adames. Instead, they found Adames’ supporters. A barrage of gunshots followed resulting in two deaths, and the wounding of other.

Just months after the two men were murdered, Adames was murdered. Perez not only ordered the hit, he had planned it.

Additionally, Perez ordered the murders of several other people. Emilio Barrera Alejandro died as a result of thirteen gunshot wounds, eleven to the head and two to the chest. Earnest Ybarra died as a result of twelve gunshot wounds. Adam Tenorio was killed because he disobeyed an order not to discuss the West French Place murders. He died as a result of eleven stab wounds. Robert De Los Santos was killed for the same reason as Tenorio. He died as a result of blunt force trauma and strangulation. Daniel Moreno was killed as an example to other members, having failed to perform some task he had volunteered to do. He died as a result of two gunshot wounds, one to the face and one to the chest. Elijilio De La Garza (“Chico”) died as a result of eleven gunshot wounds, including five to the head. De La Garza was the one who said that Perez had ordered the killings at West French Place. Presumably, he was killed for this reason.

The West French Place murders mentioned above were, at the time, the most violent and bloody in San Antonio’s history. While at least two former members of the Mexican Mafia disputed that Perez ordered the murders, both acknowledged that Perez had ordered the hijacking. It was thought that large amounts of both cocaine and cash would be found in the targeted apartment. Those who participated went armed with shotguns. All five people found in the apartment were bound with duct tape. Then, for reasons still unclear, all five were shot and killed. Only five pounds of marijuana and $300 in cash were confiscated.

Priors and Currents: Perez had a previous conviction for attempted manslaughter for stabbing a man numerous times in the heart and stomach during a domestic disturbance in October 1986. He was sentenced to ten years in prison. He was paroled in August 1990. While on parole, Perez received convictions for aggravated assault and evading arrest. He was returned to prison for a short while in 1992, but was paroled again after four months. At the time, parole for repeat offenders was common in Texas due to strict prison population caps imposed by a U.S. District Judge. He was on parole at the time of the murders.

Before being tried for the two murders, Perez was a co-defendant in a federal trial for the murders of 5 people at West French Place apartments. He was convicted of racketeering and conspiracy and was sentenced to life in federal prison - a sentence he never served, since he received the death penalty in his state trial.

Last words and such: Perez greeted his wife, two sons and a brother with a big smile as they entered the death chamber. "Yes sir, Ernest, Christopher, Ochente, Mary and Jennifer tell all the kids I love them and never forget. Tell Bobby, Mr. Bear will be dancing for them. Tell Bear not to feel bad. My love always, I love you all. Stay strong Mary, take care of them. I love you too. I am ready Warden. I got my boots on, like a cowboy."

In the moments before Perez was executed for the slayings of two men, his wife offered him up one last prayer for peace. "God Bless you," murmured Mary Perez, as two of her husband's sons, wept and embraced her, and his brother Ernest stood by. His wife continued, "You're still my hero. You'll always be my hero."

Just before slipping into unconsciousness after the lethal dose began, Perez said he could "taste it." Seven minutes later, at 6:17 p.m., he was pronounced dead.

No friends or relatives of the victims chose to attend.

Factoids: Perez was the...

8th murderer executed in U.S. in 2007
1065th murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
7th murderer executed in Texas in 2007
386th murderer executed in Texas since 1976

On an Internet site inmates use to seek penpals, Perez said he couldn't promise letter writers much more than friendship and a "vow to be honest, respectful, understanding and a very good listener. I give you my loyalty in all aspects."

TEXAS LAST MEAL
DONALD MILLER
February 27, 2007

Last Meal: Miller, 44, had a final meal request of one piece of fried chicken, one BLT sandwich, two enchiladas, ketchup, cinnamon roll and iced tea.


The skinny: Miller was executed for the robbery and shooting deaths of two men twenty-five years ago.

More skinny: On February 3, 1982, a fisherman found two bodies on the side of a road near Lake Houston. Both men had been shot to death. The hands of both victims were tied in front of their bodies, with one body stretched out face down, the other in a fetal position. Bloody footprints were visible near the bodies and the forestock of a shotgun was found in the heavily wooded area. The victims appeared to have been killed at the scene. The two victims, who were in the furniture business, traveled to different parts of the country to resell furniture. At the time of the murders, one victim was driving an 18-wheel tractor-trailer loaded with furniture, and he was carrying between $5,000 and $6,000 in cash.

The crime: Donald Miller and companions Danny Woods and Eddie Segura lured the two furniture salesmen from North Carolina to Segura's house for a delivery. When the two men, one 29, the other 19 they were confronted by Miller, armed with a handgun, and Woods, who pulled out a shotgun. The two men were robbed, gagged and bound with electrical tape, then taken to the lake.

Miller, a paroled car and truck thief, was arrested about two weeks after the slayings.

Accomplice Segura pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery charges, was sentenced to two 25-year prison terms and was the key prosecution witness against Miller. He was released from prison last October. Accomplice Danny Ray Woods received two life sentences after a guilty plea in 1982. He's next eligible for parole in April 2008.

Last words and such: Strapped to the gurney and with needles in each arm, Miller was asked by the warden if he had a final statement. His reply was a single shake of his head. Six minutes later, Miller was pronounced dead.

Miller had no friends or relatives witness his execution and had no visitors in the three days preceding the punishment. Also, no relatives of the victims in the case were present to see him die.

Miller was "very quiet, very subdued and very polite," said Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman Michelle Lyons.

Factoids: Miller was the...

7th murderer executed in U.S. in 2007
1064th murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
6th murderer executed in Texas in 2007
385th murderer executed in Texas since 1976

Miller, who was 19 when he was arrested, arrived on death row in 1982, making him among the longest serving of almost 400 Texas prisoners awaiting lethal injection.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EDITION OF READER'S LAST MEAL...


jeff j from tulsa...

salad with honey mustard
lobster tail
baked potato
cheese biscuits
cheesecake
sweet tea


Coston McPike
Dallas, TX

1st course: beluga caviar with blinis
2nd course: chicken broth, lobster bisque
3rd course: foie gras with blackberry compote
4th course: yellow fin tuna sushi
5th course: rack of lamb with gratin daphnese and asparagus with hollandaise
6th course: veal sweetbreads with raspberry demi-glace
7th course: pate de campagne, lobster terrine, foie gras mouse and terrine
8th course: rainbow sherbet
9th course: Roast chicken with black summer truffles, caesar salad
10th course: saute mixed mushrooms
11th course: chocolate and strawberry souffle
12th course: the best cheese and seasonal fruits


A Quiet A from parts unknown...

Im not sure if i could eat it ! but here goes.
1 POUND FRIED SHRIMP DINNER(JUMBO)
FRIES, CREAMY COLESLAW
HOMEMADE GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE
1 CUP HOT SWEET TEA & 2 NEWPORTS


David D., Daytona Beach Florida

the menu
Three 24oz slab's of prime rib(med rare) served w/a bowl of warm au jus for dipping. Six fried eggs,biscuits w/honey on the side. A bottle of Jack Daniels Black Label,a case of Coca Cola Classic,a real glass and crushed ice. One gallon of Oreo ice cream,2 Snickers bars and one dozen homemade chocolate chip cookies. One gallon of milk. Finally one carton of Marlboro cigarettes(Reds)


The last meal request of Cheri A. New Brunswick, NJ
Garlic bread with extra cheese and garlic from Loui's
Pizza City,sliced fresh tomatoes, roast pork egg roll
with duck sauce,spaghetti with good marinara sauce, NY
strip steak ,medium rare with fried onions and
mushrooms, baked potato with butter, sauteed Brussels
sprouts with butter and garlic. For dessert maybe some
raspberry cheesecake, a strawberry shortcake made with
real whipped cream,Thomas Sweet's pumpkin pie ice
cream and a fat sack of reefer so I won't care what is
about to happen to me. While I realize the last item
is "not prison policy" I am hoping that in this
fantasy world it will be allowed. Oh and some ice cold
Diet Dr. Pepper. And yes I see the irony of ordering
diet soda with my condemned meal but even us gun molls
have to keep our girlish figure.

TEXAS LAST MEAL
NEWTON ANDERSON
February 22, 2007

...earning him the nickname "Hacksaw Red" from his fellow condemned inmates....

Last meal: Anderson, 30, had a final meal request of boiled eggs, pork chops, fried chicken, tacos, fried okra, potato salad, french fries, bacon, baked potatoes, sour cream, sliced onions, jalapeno peppers, pickles, cabbage, tomatoes, and a Sprite.

The skinny: Anderson was executed for torturing and killing a retired couple during the break-in of their home.

More skinny: Firemen responded to a burning home of an elderly couple in Tyler. After the firemen brought the blaze under control, a man’s body was discovered in the kitchen. He had been shot in the head at close range with a shotgun, and was lying face down with his hands and feet bound with electrical tape.

The 65-year old woman was found in the living room. She was face down, bound and gagged with electrical tape, naked from the waist down, and had been raped and strangled. She had suffered shotgun wounds to the head.

Later that day, Anderson was identified unloading the couple's Cadillac at his trailer with several personal items belonging to the couple. Witnesses testified that Anderson, who typically had no money, was seen the night of the murders wearing expensive clothing, buying rounds of drinks, and paying generously for a car ride. When asked whether he had broken into someone’s house, Anderson replied, “Yeah. I did something like that.”

At trial, a DNA expert testified for the prosecution that the DNA from the semen discovered in the woman’s body matched Newton Anderson’s DNA.

Anderson had been paroled from prison for burglary three months before the burglary/murder.

Hacksaw Red: On death row, the red-haired prisoner was caught trying to cut his way out of his steel cell, earning him the nickname "Hacksaw Red" from his fellow condemned inmates.

From death row: Anderson, in an interview last week, acknowledged the killings but said he was at a loss for why they happened. He did not testify at his trial. The couple had been out running errands and returned home to find him inside. "I am guilty," he told the AP. "I don't deny that. ... They had good evidence. Witnesses saw me. What can I say?"

Last words and such: "For all those that want this to happen, I hope you get what you want, and it makes you feel better, and gives you some kind of relief. I don't know what else to say. For those that I have hurt, I hope, after a while, it gets better." Anderson then expressed love to his relatives and said, "I am sorry. That's it. Goodbye."

In a handwritten statement distributed after his death, Anderson again apologized to the family of his victims. "I only want to say that for the last eight years I have had to leave with my guilt and shame. I know I was wrong and now I give my life," he wrote. He concluded, "I give my life. I hope it is enough for everyone. If things could be undone, I would do it, I would do it!!:"

Factoids: Anderson was the...

6th murderer executed in U.S. in 2007
1063rd murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
5th murderer executed in Texas in 2007
384th murderer executed in Texas since 1976

TEXAS LAST MEAL
JAMES LEWIS JACKSON
February 7, 2007

..."Warden, murder me."...

Last Meal: Jackson had a final meal request of four pieces of fried chicken (dark meat), fried okra, french fries, salad with bluecheese, four hardboiled eggs with cheese, one pint butter pecan ice cream, two honey buns, two cokes.

The skinny: The 6-foot-7, James "Big Jack" Jackson, 47, was executed for killing his wife and two stepdaughters almost 10 years ago.

More skinny: In 1995, Jackson married and became a stepfather to two teen-age daughters.

By 1997, however, Jackson’s drug addiction, sporadic employment, and controlling nature had produced problems in his marriage.

On April 9, 1997, one of stepdaughter’s co-workers became concerned when she failed to pick her up for work. The co-worker contacted the girl's aunt, who along with her mother, went to the Jacksons' apartment and entered the residence, finding the two stepdaughters' bodies in one bedroom and the wife's body in another bedroom. They had been choked to death.

Jackson had left a note admitting the murders and later confessed to police. In the confession, Jackson said that he was upset that the girl’s mother planned to divorce him and asked each of his stepdaughters how they felt about the impending split. When one of the girls said she didn’t care one way or the other, Jackson choked her to death with his arm. He asked the same question of the other girl when she returned home to the apartment, and also choked her to death even though she told him she loved him and wanted him to stay in her life. Jackson placed both girls in their beds and then strangled their mother when she returned home and spurned his advances and attempts at reconciliation.

Jackson had earlier served 5 years of a 10 year sentence for injury to elderly person, and was paroled in March 1994. Jackson used a shotgun to wound the elderly father of a former girlfriend in Dallas.

Not a confession he says: Later Jackson recanted his confession and claimed he was innocent. His trial lawyer argued the confession was obtained when his client was under duress.

From death row, Jackson said he was on the other side of Houston the day of the killings, was out all night "gambling and got high." When he returned home the next morning, police investigating the deaths took him into custody.

He also said his wife had no plans to end their relationship. Jackson said that the note he left behind was a prayer, written weeks earlier, asking God to protect his family.

Last words and such: Jackson was all smiles as his friends entered the viewing room, chatting and looking rather upbeat considering what was about to take place. Jackson thanked his family and expressed love for them. "This is not the end but the beginning of a new chapter for you and I together forever. See you all later. See you all on the other side." Jackson then told the warden standing over him, "Warden, murder me." He then referred to Harris County, where he was convicted, as Sodom and Gomorrah, the biblical cities destroyed by God for their sins. "I'm ready to roll. Time to get this party started."

As the lethal chemicals entered his body, Jackson laughed at a gesture made by one of his guests, then made a gurgling sound before dying. After sputtering his last breath, two of Jackson’s friends called him a “soldier.” He was officially pronounced dead by prison officials at 6:18 p.m. "Praise God," an unidentified female guest said after he stilled.

None of the victim's family were present.

Factoids: Jackson was the...

5th murderer executed in U.S. in 2007
1062nd murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
4th murderer executed in Texas in 2007
383rd murderer executed in Texas since 1976

TEXAS LAST MEAL
CHRISTOPHER SWIFT
January 30, 2007

...He said that voices in his head and his son encouraged him to strangle the women....

Last Meal: Swift had a final meal request of a steak, medium-well with A-1 sauce, salad with ranch dressing, cheddar cheese and bacon bits, baked potato with sour cream, two slices of apple pie, three large rolls, two cokes and one cup of coffee.

The skinny: Swift was executed for the slayings of his eight-months pregnant wife and his mother-in-law.

More skinny: Police received a call from the Days Inn that a five-year-old boy was abandoned at the motel. Upon arrival, the child explained that his father left him at the motel the night before after killing the boy’s mother and grandmother. Police went to Swift's home and found the body of his pregnant wife on the floor of the trailer. The body of the grandmother was found in the kitchen of her Lake Dallas home.

A trace of Swift’s ATM card use led authorities to Swift’s hideout at a motel in Dallas. During the five-hour interrogation that followed his arrest, Swift stated that he choked both women, then drove his son, Zachary, to a motel room. His marriage had gotten off to a rocky start. Four days after their wedding, he started a four-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting a Texas state trooper in 1996 and a Denton County woman in 1997.

The killings were set off when Swift quit a new job at a concrete company because they asked him to take a drug test and when he came home, his decision sparked an argument with his wife that led to the slayings.

Swift waived all appeals.

Bad dad: Evidence showed Swift's 5-year-old son watched as the former laborer and parolee stabbed and strangled his pregnant wife.

Authorities determined after abandoning his son at the hotel, he got himself a room elsewhere and some beer. He was arrested there and confessed to killing both women and abandoning his son. He said that voices in his head and his son encouraged him to strangle the women. The day after his arrest, Swift told a Dallas television station in a jailhouse interview that he committed the murders because (his son) "was giving me the order to do it."

Swift's Lawyer speaks: "Receiving the death penalty is what he's wanted from Day 1, from the first day I met him," said Derek Adame, who was one of Swift's trial lawyers. "He and I had several discussions about it. It was frustrating for me. That's what makes it hard to deal with. It's the ultimate punishment."

Last words and such: Swift spurned any appeals that could stop or delay his execution.

Asked if he had a final statement, Swift responded: "no."

Seven minutes later at 6:20 p.m., he was pronounced dead as five friends watched. They offered their tears and prayers as they watched. “Look at his face. His face is completely at peace. He is going to see Jesus,” one friend said.

No relatives of survivors attended the execution.

Factoids: Swift was the...

4th murderer executed in U.S. in 2007
1061st murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
3rd murderer executed in Texas in 2007
382nd murderer executed in Texas since 1976

Swift spent about 21 months on death row. The average condemned Texas inmate is in prison about 10 years before execution. The shortest time on death row was Joe Gonzales, who in 1996 received lethal injection 252 days after he arrived.

TEXAS LAST MEAL
JOHNATHAN BRYANT MOORE
January 17, 2007

...Mac & Cheese...

Last Meal: Moore had a final meal request of Kraft Cheese & Macaroni and Beef Flavored Rice-A-Roni.

The skinny: Moore, 32, a self-described fascist who adopted the dark punk and goth lifestyle was executed by lethal injection for the slaying of a San Antonio police officer 12 years ago.

More skinny: A San Antonio police officer was driving home from work when he spotted a burglary in progress at a residence. The officer, who was still in his uniform, pulled into the driveway of the residence, blocking a car occupied by Johnathan Moore, Pete Dowdle and Paul Cameron, who were finishing their second trip to burglarize the home.

Gun drawn, the officer approached the vehicle and repeatedly ordered the three men to get out of the car to no avail. After taking the car keys from Dowdle, the driver, the officer approached the passenger side of the car with his gun drawn. Moore, who was in the front passenger seat, pulled out a .25 caliber automatic gun and shot the officer. Moore got out of the car, recovered the car keys and returned them to Dowdle. Moore then grabbed the officer’s gun and shot the officer three times in the head.

Moore was arrested the next day following a high speed chase. Following his arrest, Moore signed a full and detailed confession. His accomplices, who were arrested a short time after his arrest: Peter Dowdle is serving a 25-year prison term. Paul Cameron is serving a life sentence. He becomes eligible for parole this July.

Flight risk: Moore made at least two failed escape attempts from jail while he was in the lockup awaiting his murder trial.

Mom: During the punishment phase, Moore's mother shouted profanities at lawyers for both sides from the witness stand and was arrested after deputies said she bit a court bailiff.

Thoughts from Moore: He said that at the age of 20, he was enamored with guns, the punk/goth lifestyle, and the film "Natural Born Killers," and that he was mean and usually stoned.

Last words and such: Moore repeatedly apologized to the officer's widow. "It was done out of fear, stupidity and immaturity. I’m sorry. I did not know the man but for a few seconds before I shot him. It wasn’t until I got locked up and saw that newspaper, I saw his face and his smile and I knew he was a good man. I am sorry for all your family and for my disrespect — he deserved better." He wished her happiness. He told his father that he loved him. Then he addressed a sobbing woman. This was a woman he'd met and fallen in love with by mail. Her name was now tattooed on his knuckles and he'd reportedly married her days earlier. "Quit the heroin," he said.

More on the girlfriend/wife: The previous Friday, his girlfriend, Naomi Madsen of New York, filed for a marriage license at his request. "I don't need the piece of paper, but I wanted to make him happy before he dies," said Madsen, whose nickname, Lily, is tattooed on Moore's knuckles. "I'm in love with him."

Factoids: Moore was the...

3rd murderer executed in U.S. in 2007
1060th murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
2nd murderer executed in Texas in 2007
381st murderer executed in Texas since 1976

The San Antonio Police Officers Association chartered a bus so about two dozen officers could honor their fallen colleague.

The vigil outside the prison had been muted. The officers and their friends held fluorescent batons that glowed softly with a shade of police blue. Some had graduated from the police academy alongside the slain officer. Others were widows of officers who had died in the line of duty.

Still others didn't know the man personally but still felt a personal stake in punishing Moore, who had shot his victim six times at close range. "I would push the needle (myself)," said Teddy Stewart, president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association, which had organized the pilgrimage.

BULLET LAST MEAL...

OHIO LAST MEAL
CHRISTOPHER J. NEWTON
May 24, 2007

Newton had a final meal request of steak, asparagus, brussels sprouts, feta cheese, a soft drink, cake and watermelon.

BULLET LAST MEAL...

ARIZONA LAST MEAL
ROBERT CHARLES COMER
May 23, 2007

Comer had a final meal request of fried okra, four buns with lots of butter, lots of salt (lots) and two slices of banana bread.

BULLET LAST MEAL...

TEXAS LAST MEAL
CHARLES EDWARD SMITH
May 16, 2007

Smith had a final meal request of nine tacos, nine enchiladas, french fries, a salad with ranch dressing, beef fajitas, a bowl of picante sauce, a bowl of shredded cheese, six jalapeno peppers, a strawberry cake with strawberry frosting and 16 Pepsi's.

BULLET LAST MEAL...

TENNESSEE LAST MEAL
PHILIP RAY WORKMAN
May 9, 2007

Workman had no final meal request for himself. He asked that a vegetarian pizza be given to a homeless person for his last meal, but prison officials refused.