Texas inmate John Henry Ramirez was executed by lethal injection on Wednesday (October 5) evening for the 2004 murder of Pablo Castro, a convenience story employee whom Ramirez stabbed 29 times for $1.25.
During his execution, Ramirez was allowed to have his pastor in the room to pray and lay hands on him after winning a lengthy Supreme Court battle. Ramirez claimed his religious freedom was violated because state prison rules didn't allow his pastor to touch him and pray aloud during the procedure. The Supreme Court sided with Ramirez in the case, which clarified the role of spiritual advisers in death chambers nationwide.
Rev. Dana Moore of Corpus Christi’s Second Baptist Church, swore to the Supreme Court that he needed "to be in physical contact with John Ramirez during the most stressful and difficult time of his life in order to give him comfort."
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice revealed that Ramirez's last words were: "I just want to say to the family of Pablo Castro, I appreciate everything that y’all did to try and communicate with me through the Victim’s Advocacy program. I tried to reply back, but there is nothing that I could have said or done that would have helped you.
"I have regret and remorse, this is such a heinous act. I hope this finds you comfort, if this helps you then I am glad. I hope in some shape or form this helps you find closure.
"To my wife, my friends, my son, grasshopper, Dana and homies, I love y’all. Just know that I fought a good fight, and I am ready to go. I am ready, Warden."
Aaron Castro, the son of the victim, Pablo Castro, issued a statement that said in part: "God is the only Judge, jury, and verdict in the end for all of us. Who are we to hold hate, anger, and vengeance on our mind."
Source: The Washington Post
