Jamaal Howard was put to death in Texas on October 7 for the 2000 killing of gas station worker Vicky Swartout. Before he was executed, Howard offered an apology to Swartout’s loved ones and spoke of finding peace in the Lord.
Howard was convicted of killing Swartout when he was 20 years old.
According to court records, Howard shot Swartout during a robbery at a Chevron station in Silsbee, Texas. He maintained his innocence throughout parts of the legal proceedings, while his attorneys continued to challenge whether he was competent to be executed.
In an unsuccessful effort to stop his execution, Howard’s attorneys argued that he had an intellectual disability and a history of mental illness.
Those efforts ultimately failed.
Jamaal Howard execution
Howard was pronounced dead at Texas’ Huntsville Unit at 8:03 p.m. local time after receiving a single dose of the lethal injection drug pentobarbital.
In his final statement, Howard said: “I wish that you accept my apology and I wish for your forgiveness.
“I’m sorry for what happened. I wish you can learn to forgive me one of these days.”
He then addressed the warden directly: “Warden, that’s it. I’m ready Warden.”
Howard also thanked his friends and family and told them he loved them, saying he was “in a good state of mind to find peace and the Lord, so I thank y’all,” according to AP.
He ended his statement with a final message: “Hey, enjoy life, and peace to y’all.”
Seventh person put to death by Texas this year
In the moments leading up to his execution, Howard remained engaged with the staff accompanying him to the Huntsville Unit, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
A department spokesperson said Howard spent the 45-minute ride from death row to the Huntsville Unit chatting with officers.
Spokesperson Amanda Hernandez said: “He made small talk with the officers through the whole trip.”
After arriving at the prison, Howard was taken to a holding cell inside the death chamber. Hernandez said he continued to engage with staff and appeared interested in what was happening around him.
“He was asking questions and was very engaged in the process,” Hernandez said.
Howard was then executed, becoming the seventh person put to death by Texas this year.
Two more executions are scheduled to take place in the state later this year.
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