Haunting final words of first death row inmate executed since Christa Pike’s botched execution

With his execution approaching, Jamaal Howard asked a grieving family for forgiveness. The Texas prisoner faced death for killing gas station worker Vicky Swartout, after his lawyers failed to stop the execution. As the final moments arrived, he spoke of faith and peace, leaving an apology that could not undo the killing and a plea for the family’s forg… Continues…

Jamaal Howard was executed on October 7 at Texas’ Huntsville Unit for the 2000 murder of Vicky Swartout during a robbery at a Chevron station in Silsbee. He was 20 when the killing occurred. His attorneys unsuccessfully sought to halt the execution, arguing that he had an intellectual disability and a history of mental illness, while challenging his competency to be executed. After receiving pentobarbital, he was pronounced dead at 8:03 p.m.

In his final statement, Howard addressed Swartout’s loved ones: “I’m sorry for what happened. I wish you can learn to forgive me one of these days.” He also thanked his friends and family, expressed love, and spoke about finding peace in the Lord. Prison officials said he had talked with officers during the drive to Huntsville and continued asking questions after arriving. His closing message was brief: “Hey, enjoy life, and peace to y’all.”