EXECUTION #28

Michael Lynn Riley
Executed May 19, 2009 06:18 p.m. CDT by Lethal Injection in Texas
28th murderer executed in U.S. in 2009
1164th murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
15th murderer executed in Texas in 2009
438th murderer executed in Texas since 1976

Summary:
Riley was a frequent customer of a Shop-A-Minit convenience store in his hometown of Quitman. He entered the store and asked for ice cream. The 23 year old clerk, Wynona Harris, told him to help himself to the ice cream while she counted some money. When Harris turned her back to Riley, he came up behind her and stabbed her to death with a butcher knife, stabbing and slashing her 31 times. He fled the store with a cloth bag containing $1,110 in cash. A customer came in later and found Harris's body behind the counter. A milk delivery driver told police he noticed a man in distinctive coveralls hanging around outside the store. Detectives also followed bloody footprints to the murder weapon and a money bag. Riley turned himself in to authorities later that day after hearing police were looking for him. After detectives recovered his coveralls and the stolen money inside them, he confessed.
Final/Special Meal:
Two fried chicken quarters, two fried pork chops, a bowl of peaches, an order of french fries and a salad.
Final Words:
"I know I hurt you very bad. I want you to know I'm sorry. I hope one day you can move on and, if not, I understand." Riley also apologized to his mother, who was not present, for being "not the big son that you wanted me to be." Then he reminded friends who were watching that for years he has said he was ready to die. "To the fellows on the row: stay strong. Fleetwood is out of here," he said, referring to his death row nickname.
The Execution
Eight minutes after the lethal drugs began to flow, he was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m.