EXECUTION #18

James Edward Martinez
Executed March 10, 2009 06:17 p.m. CDT by Lethal Injection in Texas
18th murderer executed in U.S. in 2009
1154th murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
11th murderer executed in Texas in 2009
434th murderer executed in Texas since 1976

Summary:
Martinez and Sandra Walton had dated briefly and during the relationship he loaned her $1,000. When they broke up, he demanded repayment quickly. Walton gave him a promissory note, but told friends Martinez continued to harass and threaten her. Walton filed numerous police reports against Martinez but was unable to get a protective order. Walton was shot at least nine times as she returned home from a late-night fast-food run. Michael Humphreys, from Arlington, was hit eight times. At the shooting scene, authorities found 27 shell casings from a high-powered Austrian-made military-type rifle. On the night of the murders, Martinez called Casey Ashford, a long-time friend, several times. Martinez drove to the farm where Ashford was staying to deliver a black canvas bag for Ashford to keep. Ashford looked in the bag and saw the rifle later determined to be the murder weapon, among other items. He buried the bag, but later disclosed its location to police. Inside a storage bin Martinez rented, detectives found more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition, bomb-making components, pistols, illegal knives, illegally modified firearms and books on killing techniques and body disposal.
Final/Special Meal:
Three chili cheese hot dogs with extra cheese on the side, fried okra with ketchup on the side, french fries with ketchup on the side and vanilla coke or regular coke.
Final Words:
Martinez told his mother and sister, who were watching through a nearby window, that he loved them and thanked them for everything they had done for him. “I hope y’all can move on after this. I’ll be fine. I’m fine.” Martinez told them all again that he loved them and added, “Take care, OK?” He then told the warden he had nothing else to say.
The Execution
As the drugs began taking effect, his mother was overcome with emotion, sobbing and scratching at the glass that separated them. “James don’t leave me, you can’t die. Don’t leave me,” she cried. Officers brought a wheelchair into the room and removed her and her daughter before Martinez was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. CDT, nine minutes after the lethal drugs began.