Death row inmate utters final words before being executed: ‘I am ready to be with Jesus’
Billy Jack Crutsinger receives lethal injection for 2003 murder of 89-year-old woman and her daughter
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A death row inmate said he was "ready to go and be with Jesus and my family", moments before he was executed for fatally stabbing an 89-year-old woman and her daughter.
Billy Jack Crutsinger received a lethal injection for the 2003 murders of Pearl Magouirk and 71-year-old Patricia Syren after entering their home under the pretence of doing work for them.
He also stole Syren's car and credit card.
In a four minute speech ahead of his execution, Crutsinger thanked three friends who were there to witness his death.
“I am at peace now and ready to go and be with Jesus and my family," the 64-year-old said.
Crutsinger added: “I am going to miss those pancakes and those old time black and white shows. Where I am going everything will be in colour.”
He did not mention his victims, whose family members were not present to witness his death.
Michele Hartmann, one of the prosecutors who convicted Crutsinger, said: "The loss of mother and daughter Pearl Magouirk and Pat Syren is still felt deeply by their family and the Fort Worth community. Our sympathy and thoughts continue to be with them."
She added: "The defendant stabbed two elderly women to death in their own home. They had offered him a chance at honest work."
Crutsinger readily admitted his guilt when he was arrested three days after the murder at a bar more than 300 miles away from the scene. He was sentenced to death five months later.
Despite his confession, he repeatedly attempted to appeal the conviction, arguing that he was innocent and had a bad trial lawyer.
The Supreme Court declined a request by Crutsinger’s attorney to stop the execution this week.
He was the 14th inmate to be put to death this year in the US and the fifth in Texas where 10 more executions are scheduled this year.
Agencies contributed to this report
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments