Moments before he was executed, Jessel Turner thanked his family and survivors of the Houston taxi driver he was convicted of killing 11 years ago for their support and forgiveness.
Turner, 37, made a lengthy statement before he died by injection Monday night. He was the 27th Texas inmate executed in 1997, extending a record year for capital punishment in the state.The former truck driver was condemned for shooting Charles Hunter the night of Feb. 10, 1986, and taking his wallet. Court records said Hunter's body was dumped on the street before Turner drove away in the cab.
None of Hunter's family was present for the execution. Prison officials said no relatives could be found.