Drug User Executed for Murder in Texas
A convicted murderer who blamed his problems on drugs was executed by injection Wednesday after apologizing to his family and friends for the trouble he caused them.
The execution of Elliot Rod Johnson took nearly an hour because his veins were not suitable for injection after years of drug abuse, state Atty. Gen. Jim Mattox said.
Johnson, 28, was executed for the 1982 shooting death of Beaumont jeweler Joseph Granado, 67.
“I’m very sorry for bringing all the hurt and pain to everyone who loved me so much,” Johnson said in his final statement. “I hope all my friends find it in their hearts to forgive me.”
Johnson also talked by telephone to his mother, Luanna, an inmate at another Texas prison. She is serving a six-year term for theft.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
