Texas executes San Antonio man for killing police officer

Source: Associated Press

Apr 15, 7:54 PM EDT

Texas executes San Antonio man for killing police officer

By MICHAEL GRACZYK
Associated Press

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) -- A San Antonio man who fatally shot a SWAT team member with the officer's own gun more than 14 years ago was executed Wednesday, the sixth convicted murderer put to death in Texas so far this year.

Manuel Garza Jr. received a lethal injection of pentobarbital for killing San Antonio Police Officer John "Rocky" Riojas in February 2001. The U.S. Supreme Court had refused in November to review his case, and no last-day appeals were filed before his execution.

Asked to make a final statement, Garza said he was sorry for causing pain to his family, friends and "especially police officers."

"Y'all probably hate me," he said, looking at three friends of his victim, dressed in their navy blue San Antonio police uniforms. He wished them "peace and love and hope y'all find God like I have and I'll see you on the other side."


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