Texas Executes Second Convict in Two Days
A former mechanic with an extensive criminal record was executed Thursday night for fatally beating an 80-year-old woman he had known since childhood.
Ivan Murphy, 38, was the second convicted killer executed in as many nights in Texas, and three more of the state’s inmates are scheduled to die next week. Texas has executed 24 inmates this year, more than any other state.
“This is a celebration of life, not death,” Murphy said while strapped to the death chamber gurney. “Through Jesus Christ we have victory over death.”
He thanked Pope John Paul II and others for prayers, love and support. “I want to thank everybody around the world and Father, let your will be done.”
As the drugs began taking effect, he gasped several times. He was pronounced dead 10 minutes later.
Murphy was condemned for the 1989 slaying of Lula Mae Denning at her home in Denison, about 70 miles north of Dallas.
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