EXECUTION #5

Reginald Perkins
Executed January 22, 2009 06:24 p.m. CDT by Lethal Injection in Texas
5th murderer executed in U.S. in 2009
1141st murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
3rd murderer executed in Texas in 2009
426th murderer executed in Texas since 1976

Summary:
Perkins stepmother Gertie went missing from her home on December 4, 2000. Police found a small bloodstain on the carpet of her home and observed the line cord from the bedroom telephone was missing. On the day Gertie disappeared, her stepson used his drivers license to sell her wedding ring at a pawn shop for $150. Two checks from the family business were also cashed - one for $600 and one for $700. Later that day, the police arrested Reginald. Reginald called his father, who said, "I sure hope you've got good news for me." Reginald answered, "I'm afraid not; she's dead." Perkins then directed his father and police to a parking garage, where they found Gertie's car parked. Her body was in the trunk. She had bruises on her head and mouth and had also been strangled with something thin and smooth. In 1980 in Ohio, Perkins pled guilty to the rape of a 12-year old girl, was sentenced to Life, but was paroled in 1986. Through trial, Perkins continued to announce his innocence of "ever hurting anybody." Since his conviction and sentence of death for the murder of Gertie Perkins, Perkins has been connected by DNA evidence to at least two other murders, and is suspected in a third.
Victims: Gertie Mae Perkins, 64
Paula Nelson, 21
Jenny Morman, 43
Terry Thomas
Hattie Wilson, 79
Shirley Douglas, 44
Final/Special Meal:
Final Words:
When the warden asked him if he wanted to make a statement, Perkins replied: "I already made my statement. Appreciate it. Love y'all. I can feel it going in." He then looked at Gertie's sister and told her he loved her, then he lost consciousness.
The Execution
Perkins was pronounced dead at 6:24 p.m., approximately eight minutes after he was administered a lethal injection.