Miguel Angel Paredes, #999400; October 28, 2014

To the victim’s family, I want you to know that I hope you let go of all of the hate because of all my actions.  I came in as a lion and I come as peaceful as a lamb.  I’m at peace.  I hope society sees who else they are hurting with this.  To my loved ones, I hope both victims find in their hearts to forgive me, and I have forgave everyone and I love everyone, pray for my soul and I forgive myself.  I love y’all and I’ll be waiting for y’all, my brother take care of my family.  Take care of my girl, my mom, my sons and all of my loved ones.  Brother Wayne and Brother Joe, thank y’all.  Jorge don’t give up on Luis, I’ll be listening.  Thank you for everything.  Father I commend my soul, please take care and watch everybody I leave behind.  I am ready Warden.  Father please accept my soul.  I am sorry, I love y’all, I am always going to be with you.  I love y’all, I love y’all. I love you Father, I love you Father, I love you Savior.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Lisa Coleman, #999511; September 17, 2014

I just want to tell my family I love them; my son, I love him. The girls on the row, I love them and keep their heads up. Tell Darlie I love her, hand in hand. God bless y'all. I'm alright. Tell them I finished strong. I love y'all. I'm done. I love you, Richie. I love you. Thank you, Brad and John, all of y'all. God is good. I love you, Auntie. I'm done.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Willie Trotter, #999085; September 10, 2014

Nesha, I love you. I hope this brings you some closure. Titus, if his kids are out there, I'm sorry for your dad. Shan, Charlotte, Baisey, I love you. T.T., I love you. Stay strong.

Michelle, Tammy, Damen, I'm going home. Lawrence, I love you. I am going home to be with the Lord. Find it in your hearts to forgive me. I'm sorry, stay strong. Jesus, take me home.

Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Jose Villegas, #999417; April 16, 2014

(Written statement)
I always said that if I even get to this point, I would have already said everything that needed to be said to all of those who I love and have been with me throughout this whole journey. Today, I realized that I can never say everything that needed to be said, because there is still so much that needs to be said. First of all, I love you. My children, my friends, and all my brothers who have shared this experience with me on the row and who continue to experience this without me, keep your heads up. I love all of you. Secondly, I am ok. I have peace in my heart and ready for the next journey. I'm really ok. Last but not least, to my true brother in life, Crazy J, I love you, man. You and Bella have been the best. I'm sorry I couldn't talk with you before all of this, but you know me...You are my bro. I love you. I'm ok. My babies, remember what I said. We'll be together soon. I love all of you. John 14:27.

(Spoken statement)
Yes, I left a written statement. I do have a verbal statement. I would like to remind my children once again, I love them. Crazy J, I forgot to write a list. Everything is ok. I love you all, and I love my children. I am at peace. John 14:27. I am done, Warden. 

Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Ramiro Hernandez, #999342; April 9, 2014

Yes, sir. First I would like to thank God for letting me see my family. I say this with love, I'm sorry. I say this for my family with love and with God, I love you. I'm happy, and I would like to say on behalf of my family, I love y'all. I am happy. I look into my family's eyes, and I see sadness. Don't be sad, I'm happy. I am sorry for what I have done. Be mindful that I am happy till the end. To the family of my boss, I love you. Young people, listen to your parents; always do what they tell you to do, go to school, learn from your mistakes. Be careful before you sign anything with your name. Never, despite what other people say. God is with y'all. God is the only witness that knows what happened that night. I, Ramiro Hernandez, say this with lots of love to young people, listen to your parents please. Live your life to the fullest, you only live your life once. To the prison system, I would like to thank y'all. Thanks to the officers and to the warden that are going to witness this. I say this with a lot of love and happiness. I have no pain and no guilt. All I have is love. Love will win. Thank you God, I am going with you. 


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Tommy Lynn Sells #999367; April 3, 2014

Sells declined to make a final statement


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Anthony Doyle, #999478; March 27, 2014

Doyle declined to make a final statement


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

My life, my life.

Readers,

After two and a half years and more than 500 posts, Lost Words in the Chamber has reached the end of the Texas archives of executed offenders. Yesterday's post on Humberto Leal brought us completely up to date, as the convict that followed Leal into the execution chamber, Mark Stroman, was the first Lost Words entry to be chronicled in real time, way back in July of 2011.

It has been a chronicle of the monstrous and of the penitent; of men proclaiming to the end their innocence despite all evidence, and of those whose proclamations still linger, haunting. There were those whose crimes were borne of passion, of reckless stupidity, of simple barbarism, and strapped to the table were the born-again, or the defiant, or the simpleminded, or the coldly cunning. All of them, though, had what few of us ever do- the sure, grim knowledge of their appointed hour and the opportunity to make one, final transmission before signing off forever. Lost Words, more than anything else, has been a chronicle of the fear and hope with which humans face the dark truth of their own mortality.

The blog started with Texas, in part, because Texas is the perennial execution leader in the United States, but I chose Texas principally because of the depth and quality of its death row archives. When I first discovered them, thanks to the urging of Associated Press reporter Mike Graczyk, I was immediately awed by the piety, the viciousness, the terror, and, yes, sometimes even the humor of these final statements. I read them for days.

Texas, however, is unique. The record keeping of other states doesn't seem to be nearly so complete, nor publicly available, as that of the Friendship State. With this in mind, Lost Words will be moving into a research phase, as we figure out a way to move forward with materials from other states. In the meantime, the blog will continue to publish the last words of executed offenders in Texas as they happen (tonight, in fact, Texas has scheduled the execution of Anthony Doyle). So, though they'll be coming infrequently for the time being, keep your eyes on the blog for future updates.


Thanks for reading,


Daniel De Simone
Publisher
ddesimone0@gmail.com

Humberto Leal #999162; July 7, 2011

I am sorry for everything that I have done. I've hurt a lot of people. For years I have never thought that I deserved any type of forgiveness. Lord Jesus Christ in my life, I know He has forgiven me, I have accepted His forgiveness. I have accepted everything. Let this be final and be done. I take the full blame for this. I am sorry and forgive me. I am truly sorry. I ask for forgiveness. Life goes on and it surely does. I am sorry for the victim's family for what I had did. May they forgive me. I don't know if you believe me, life goes on. I am sure it does. To the man to the right of me, I ask for forgiveness for you. Life goes on, it surely does. I ask for forgiveness. I am truly sorry. That is all. Let's get this show on the road. One more thing, Viva Mexico, Viva Mexico.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this San Antonio Express-News article

Milton Mathis #999337; June 21, 2011

Yes, sir. I just want to say to all my supporters, family and friends; I love y'all and appreciate y'all. To the ones representing me today, thank you for everything. The system has failed me. This is a miscarriage of justice. There are people on death row that need help. I love my family. I love you too, Mom. I am alright. I asked the Lord to have mercy on me and I hope He has mercy on these people carrying out this mass slaughter. They have no respect for humanity. To Melanie, I never meant to hurt you. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I am not asking for your forgiveness. All I have to worry about is God forgiving me. I hope you get better and for the doctors to continue to take care of you. Take care of my mother for me. To everybody, know that I love you and I am OK. Lord, have mercy on my soul. Lord, have mercy on my soul. Lord, have mercy on these peoples' soul. Life is not supposed to end this way. No more pain and frustration. When I knock at the gates, they will open up and let me in. To my mom and everybody, I love you. I can feel it right now. My life, my life.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Lee Taylor #999344; June 16, 2011

Yes, sir. Jennifer, I love you. Mom, I love you. Rick, take care of you. For all of you people, I defended myself when I killed your family member. Prison is a bad place. There was eight against me. I didn't set out to kill him. I am sorry that I killed him, but he would not have been in prison if he was a saint. I hope ya'll understand that. I love you, baby.

I hope people understand the grave injustice by the state. There are 300 people on death row, and everyone is not a monster. Texas is carrying out a very inhumane and injustice. It's not right to kill anybody just because I killed your people. Everyone changes, right? Life is about experience and people change.

I love you, Jennifer. Mom, I love you and all my friends that I have known over the years that have always been there for me. I am ready to teleport. I love you, baby.

I hope you don't find satisfaction in this, watching a human being die.

Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Gayland Bradford #966; June 1, 2011

Noel, I love you man. You have been there for me through thick and thin, you and Brigitta. Be there for each other. I am at peace, we have no worries, just as I have no more worries. To the victim's family, may you be at peace also.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Ray Jasper, #999341; March 19, 2014

(Written statement)
I just want to make a statement to all my friends, family, and supporters. Thank you all for the love. To the Christian hip-hop community, all the positive brothers I've done time with. To all the people that took the time to write a letter. Thank you.

To my family, we are one. To my beautiful daughter, the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you endlessly. I am you and you are me forever.

Lastly to God himself....Thank you being a gracious friend to me. I love you with all my heart, mind, strength, in Jesus name.

(Spoken statement)
I want to say to my family, please take care of each other, stay strong and faithful to God. I thank everyone for supporting me. Christine, I love you. To my daughter: baby, be strong, be positive, have a great life. You know what you meant to me, and I love you. Stay faithful to the Lord. Daughter, I love you, I love you, I love you. May the Lord God almighty in heaven, Jesus Christ see my spirit. Amen. 

Offender information

For additional information, please see this San Antonio Express-News article

Cary D. Kerr #999449; May 3, 2011

Yes, Tell my sister Tracey, I love you. Nicole, thank you and I love you. Wanda and all of my friends, I love you and thank you for your support. To the State of Texas, I am an innocent man. Never trust a court-appointed attorney. I am ready Warden. Thank you, Brad, I'm sorry. Check that DNA, check Scott. Here we go. Lord Jesus, Jesus.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Timothy Adams #999448; February 22, 2011

Adams declined to make a final statement


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Michael Wayne Hall #999346; February 15, 2011

First of all I would like to give my sincere apology to Amy's family. We caused a lot of heartache, grief, pain and suffering, and I am sorry. I know it won't bring her back. I would like to sing, I would like to sing for that person's dead. The old is gone. I am not the same person that I used to be, that person is dead. It's up to you if you would find it in your heart to forgive.

As for my family, I am sorry I let you down. I caused a lot of heartache, and I ask for your forgiveness. I am not crying for myself, I am crying for the lost and those that are dying for their sins, those that are committing suicide, those that don't know God and have never been set free. I've been locked up 13 years. I am not locked up inside, all of these years I have been free. Christ has changed me. Even though I have to die for my mistake, he paid for mine by wages I could never pay. Here I am a big strong youngster, crying like a baby. I am man enough to show my emotions and I am sorry. I am sorry for everything. I wish I could take it back, but I can't.

Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article, as well as the previous Lost Words entry of his accomplice

Larry Wooten #999269; October 21, 2010

No sir. Warden, Since I don't have nothing to say, you can go ahead and send me to my Heavenly Father.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Peter Cantu #999093: August 17, 2010

No.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Houston Chronicle article, and the following two Lost Words entries about his accomplices

Derrick O'Brien

Jose Medellin

Derrick Leon Jackson #999263; July 20, 2010

Jackson declined to make a final statement


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Michael Perry #999444; July 1, 2010

Yes, I want to start off by saying to everyone know that's involved in this atrocity that they are all forgiven by me. Mom, I love you.....(crying) I am ready to go Warden. Coming home dad, coming home dad.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Houston Chronicle article

David Powell #000612; June 15, 2010

Powell declined to make a final statement


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Austin-American Statesman article

George Jones #999147; June 2, 2010

Yes, I do, uh at this time I would like to thank my parents who have been my pillar of strength throughout this. To my brothers and sisters and all my family members who have supported me and who have loved me despite my faults and imperfections. I would like to thank Pastor Williams for counseling me and guiding me. As I look to my right and I see the family of Forest Hall. I hope this brings you closure or some type of peace. I hope it helps his family, son and loved ones. This has been a long journey, one of enlightenment. It's not the end, it's only the beginning.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

John Alba # 999027, May 25, 2010

Yes, first I want to tell the victim's family, Wendy's family, I am sorry for taking something so precious to you and to my kids. I wish I could take it all back and change it, but I know I can't. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Please tell Robert and Eric, I love them. I hope they forgive me. To my family, thanks for being beside me, Sabrina, you are a wonderful daughter, I am proud of you. Jr., John, you turned out to be a great young man. Hector, you too. Amy, thank you for always being there. Tell your family I love them. To my family, I appreciate you always standing by me and everything ya'll have done. Tell everyone I love them. I'll be OK. You will too. Remember what asked you. Give my love to the grandchildren. Tell Jake and Mia, Papa Alba loves them. Okay Warden, let's do it, I love yall. I can taste it already. I am starting to go.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Rogelio Cannady #999245; May 19, 2010

Yes, I do, Victor, Gary Hey bros, I know you can hear me, I can't hear you. I was in there right now thinking how we grew up... You know how we grew up in the same house. We need to love each other like we use to. Deena, Bob we were raised in the same house, we need to take care of each other and love each other like we use to. Adela I love you, Mijta, I need you to take care of your mom. We need to love each other like we use to. Juana, all the kindness that you showed me. Taking the time to show me the friendship that you did. I can never repay that. Take of yourself OK; you see I am doing good. I am OK. Thank you for showing me that I can be loved again. You showed me a love that I sometimes didn't deserve. I love you for that. You need to take care of yourself. I am going to be OK; I know where I'll be. I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you , I love you, I love you too bro. Take care of yall. May God have mercy on my soul. I thought it was going to be harder than this. I am ready to go. I am going to sleep now. I can feel it, it's affecting me now.


Offender information

For additional information, please see his Murderpedia entry

Billy John Galloway #999349; May 13, 2010

If I can go back and change the past I would, there's nothing I can do. I'm sorry. I love you Adonya. That's it.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article, as well as yesterday's Lost Words entry for the final statement of his accomplice and former cellmate

Kevin Scott Varga #999368; May 12, 2010

I am going to start with the victim's family. I know I took someone very precious to you. Myself and Mr. Galloway who you will see tomorrow. Please forgive me. God has given me peace. I love each and every one of you. You have to forgive me for you to gain the kingdom of Heaven. I wish what was torn from you was not. I do know how it feels to have lost loved ones. This was the only way God could save me; I would pay it back a thousand times to bring back your loved ones. I would pay it gladly. I love each and every one of you and hope you can find forgiveness for me. I don't require your forgiveness, because God has forgiven me. Sorry, I hope you find peace. God's love is infinite. If you hate me, please give it up. I forgive you and I hope you can forgive me. Mom, you are my strength. Kathy we've had some good memories, you are still the monkey. Mom, this is nothing, I am going to go to sleep and wake up with Jesus. This is the only way God could save me. Stefanie, she is my heart, say goodbye to Stefanie. I do not want anybody to mourn my death, celebrate my life. God loves me and God loves you. Mom, you didn't do anything wrong. Thank you, Warden, Thank you Chaplain, Thank you God, I am ready to go. God please take me home. I am ready Warden. Thank you Jesus. I am going mom.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Samuel Bustamante #999380; April 27, 2010

Bustamante declined to make a final statement


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Houston Chronicle article

William Josef Berkley #999422; April 22, 2010

Samantha, I love you with all my heart and soul. Cori, thanks for everything, make sure my princess is all right. Death before dishonor. Cori, I think you should continue with criminal law. It’s your decision; they need lawyers out there that will fight. Death before dishonor. Warden let her rip. Thank you for coming Irene.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Franklin DeWayne Alix #999286; March 30, 2010

Yes I do, I would like to thank my family for their support, love and understanding. I would like to point out some things, I got your letter. It touched me and changed me. What happened was I been wanting to apologize to yall for your son. They told me not to do it in court. I wrote him a letter but they told me that they tore it up in court. I am not the monster they made me out to be. I made lots of mistakes that took your son. I'll take it to the grave, I will be at peace. You have test and drug results to show it. I am not just taking. I messed up, made poor choices. No rapes, I don't do drugs, I am not an alcoholic. Back to my family, Thank yall for being here. It is what it is. I got peace in my heart. Thank you. Bye bye yall. Bye bye peanut.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Joshua Maxwell #999408; March 11, 2010

I do, I want to address you, I am sorry. I don't know who you are. I am sorry I put you through some things that I can't take back. I am sorry. This isn't going to change anything. Sorry for putting you through this. This is creating more victims. I am sorry, I put you through this. I love you man, I love you. This is not gonna change anything. This person who did that 10 years ago isn't the same person you see today. I hurt a lot of people with decisions I made. I can't be more sorry than I am right now. I hurt the Lopes family, let this be a lesson. Your decisions affect everybody. Look after your sister for me. I am always gonna be with you. I love you too Shay I love you if you're listening I am sorry to be putting everybody through this. This is the end of this, time to move on. I hope this brings you peace, I am sorry. I told your sister my last words. Danielle, you know that I love you. You know that you have my heart, I've enjoyed these times. I love you little hef.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Michael Adam Sigala, #999397; March 2, 2010

Yes sir, I would like to ask forgiveness of the family. I have no reason for why I did it, I don't understand why I did it. I hope that you can live the rest of your lives without hate. I pray the Lord grant me forgiveness. All powerful and almighty Lord I commit myself to thee, Amen.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Suzanne Basso, #999329; February 5, 2014

Basso declined to make a final statement


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Gary Johnson #000911; January 12, 2010

Tell my family goodbye. I can't see them. Jenny, you keep your promise to me, O.K.? Dell, you take care of Gaylene always. Dixie watch over all the kids. Tell them thank you for coming down. Jennie talk to them O.K.? Talk to Jennie, O.K. Dell. Dell you tell the rest of them what they did was wrong for letting me fall for what they did. I never done anything in my life to anybody.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Kenneth Mosley #999243; January 7, 2010

Mosley declined to make a final statement


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Dallas Morning News article

Bobby Wayne Woods #999270; December 3, 2009

Bye, I'm Ready.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Robert Lee Thompson #999276; November 19, 2009

Yes, I bear witness that there is no God, but Allah. From Allah we came and from Allah we will return. To my mother, friends I would like to thank you for all that you have done for me. For you love. This is another testimony of faith. We all have to walk this path. Smile, be happy don't cry. To the family of any victims, AsSalaam Alaikum, unto Allah I belong, unto Allah we return. I just want you to know that I never meant any of your family to get hurt. I hope you forgive me. I know Allah will forgive me, Allah is the forgiver. Go ahead Warden. I love you, love you too.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Danielle Simpson #999370; November 18, 2009

Yeah, I want to tell my family I love ya'll. Tell Kate I love her too. Tell brother, my kids I live ya'll. I'm gonna miss ya'll. I'm ready, ready.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Yosvanis Valle #999384; November 10, 2009

I am sorry, I never wanted to kill your family. I never wanted to kill your family or these people. I am sorry for the way I talk in English. I did it to myself. I was forced to do it. I was a gang member. I never wanted to kill your brother. I was forced to do this. I blame myself. I am not going to blame nobody. I got my mother and my family too. I was forced. I tell you from my heart. I am sorry with all my heart. That's the reality of life, I am sorry. I got to pay for it. To my family, I love you, be strong. They have family too; the way they suffer is the way I am suffering. I am asking you to go and give them hugs. Please accept their hugs. Be strong in the Lord. I love you sister. I love you all, please go and try and talk to the family. I love my family. I understand why I am paying this price. Do not have any excuses for not extending your love. I am ready Warden, I am sorry everybody, I did it. Thank you brother, don't hate nobody, I feel good. I love my family, I love you Jesus. Be strong mama, I love you sister. I love Jesus. Warden I am ready.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Houston Chronicle article

Khristian Oliver #999301; November 5, 2009

Collins family, I know you're not going to get the closure you are looking for tonight. I wish you the best. I prayed for ya'll every day and every night. I have only the warmest wishes. I am sorry for what you are having to go through. Mom, Pa, Kristy, Khristopher, Tony I love all ya'll. Thank you Mr. Whiteside. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He guides me down the right paths. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup over runneth.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Reginald Blanton #999395; October 27, 2009

Yes I do. I know ya'lls pain, believe me I shed plenty of tears behind Carlos. Carlos was my friend. I didn't murder him. This what is happening right now is an injustice. This doesn't solve anything. This will not bring back Carlos. Ya'll fought real hard here to prove my innocence. This is only the beginning. I love each and everyone dearly. Dre My queen. I love you. Yaws, Junie I love yall. Stay strong, continue to fight. They are fixing to pump my veins with a lethal drug the American Veterinary Association won't even allow to be used on dogs. I say I am worse off than a dog. They want to kill me for this; I am not the man that did this. Fight on. I will see ya'll again. That's all I can say.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Christopher Coleman #999239; September 22, 2009

Yes, Ain't no way fo' fo', I Love all yall.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Houston Chronicle article

Edgar Tamayo, #999130; January 22, 2014

Tamayo declined to make a final statement


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Stephen Moody #999076; September 16, 2009

Yes sir, to Joseph's mom and son. I was unable to respond to you in the courtroom. I can only ask that you have the peace that I do. To my brother, you are a good brother. You're the best. And I love you. Can't beat ya. The beautiful lady standing next to you. Kathy you are next to my heart. Amber I love you. Warden, pull the trigger. I love you brother never forget it. Ronnie, Linda, Amber, Kathy. Chaplain Hart you're the best. Love you Thomas.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Houston Chronicle article

Terry Lee Hankins #999415; June 2, 2009

Yes, I am sorry for what I've done and for all of the pain and suffering that my actions have caused. Jesus is Lord. All glory to God.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Michael Riley #000851; May 19, 2009

Yes I do. To the Harris family. I have been trying to tell you for years that I am sorry. I know that I hurt your family bad. I am sorry. Wynona should not of even have happened. I am sorry. I truly am sorry for the hurt and pain I caused you. I hope you can forgive me. One day I hope you can move on and if not I understand. Tim Jackson, Bobby Dan Spade and Mr. Segal thank you for your lies. Your lies set me free. I couldn't do a life sentence. To my mom, I'm sorry. I love you. I'm not the big son that you wanted me to be. But, I love you. To my friends, Synnova, Kay I thank you for everything. I'm ready. I told you years ago that I was ready. Synnova tell everyone I got full on Chicken and Pork Chops. Rodney, take care of my mom. To the fellas on the row, stay strong. Renee, I love you baby. Fleetwood is up out of here. I'm ready Warden.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Derrick Johnson #999339; April 30, 2009

Don't cry, it's my situation. I got it. Hold tight, It's going to shine on the golden child. Hold tight. I love you , I'm through with my statement.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article

Michael Rosales #999274; April 15, 2009

No, I love you. May the Lord be with you. Peace, I'm done.


Offender information

For additional information, please see this Associated Press article