Final Words

Final words

Since 1982, the state of Texas has put to death 515 convicted inmates. This translates to more than one person every month for thirty-one years. Just before the execution is completed, each prisoner is given the opportunity to share their final thoughts. The Texas Department of Corrections has recorded each executed prisoner’s final words. They, like their author, become facts archived by the institution that put them to death. After thirty-one years, their words will finally be heard.

Mexicans in the death row

1. Jesse de la Rosa

Last Statement

This offender declined to make a last statement.

2. Henry Martinez Porter

Last Statement

I want to thank Father Walsh for his spiritual help. I want to thank Bob Ray (Sanders) and Steve Blow for their friendship. What I want people to know is that they call me a cold-blooded killer when I shot a man that shot me first. The only thing that convicted me was that I am a Mexican and that he was a police officer. People hollered for my life, and they are to have my life tonight. The people never hollered for the life of the policeman that killed a thirteen-year-old boy who was handcuffed in the back seat of a police car.

3. Rudy Ramos

Last Statement

Goodbye to all my friends; be cool. Thank you for being my friends. Give my love to everybody.

4. Richard Andrade

Last Statement

This offender declined to make a last statement.

5. Ramon Pedro Hernandez

Last Statement

This offender declined to make a last statement.

6. Eliseo Hernandez Moreno

Last Statement

This offender declined to make a last statement.

7. Carlos de la Luna

Last Statement

I want to say I hold no grudges. I hate no one. I love my family. Tell everyone on death row to keep the faith and don’t give up.

8. Ignacio Cuevas

Last Statement

I’m going to a beautiful place. O.K., Warden, roll ‘em.

9. Joe Cordova

Last Statement

This offender declined to make a last statement.

10. Jesus Romero Jr.

Last Statement

When his attorney came into the witness room, he said, "Tell Mom I love her." The attorney said back to him, "I love you, too."

11. Carlos Santana

Last statement

This offender declined to make a last statement.

12. Ramon Montoya

Last statement

This offender declined to make a last statement

13. Leonel Herrera

Last Statement

I am innocent, innocent, innocent. Make no mistake about this; I owe society nothing. Continue the struggle for human rights, helping those who are innocent, especially Mr. Graham. I am an innocent man, and something very wrong is taking place tonight. May God

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