EXECUTION #17 (HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!)

Kenneth Wayne Morris
Executed March 3, 2009 06:16 p.m. CDT by Lethal Injection in Texas
17th murderer executed in U.S. in 2009
1153rd murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
10th murderer executed in Texas in 2009
433rd murderer executed in Texas since 1976
Summary:
Morris and two accomplices broke into the home of James Moody Adams who got up from bed to confront the intruders. After handing over $1,800, Morris shot Adams for no apparent reason, then fled. Adams wife hid in the closet during the ordeal and was unharmed. A fingerprint was recovered from the scene and matched to Christopher Montez, who was arrested and confessed, implicating Morris. When Morris was arrested he also confessed. Eight days after the murder, he committed a car jacking, for which he received a 30-year sentence. From death row, Morris said that he and his friends broke into the wrong house. Accomplice Orlena Ayers was convicted of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and sentenced to life in prison. Accomplice Montez, who is Ayers' cousin, received an 85-year sentence.
Final/Special Meal:
Fried chicken, fried okra, white cake with lemon icing and lemonade. (Executed on his birthday)
Final Words:
"I'm sorry for all the pain I might have caused you and your family. I carry nothing but love in my heart. I pray one day y'all can forgive me." Morris then looked toward two female friends and expressed his love to them, saying "I'm ready to go home." Then he grinned and mouthed a kiss to the women, saying: "I'll always be with you." As the drugs began taking effect, Morris turned again toward the victim's relatives and said, "I really am sorry."
The Execution
Morris was executed on his Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!