EXECUTION #30

Terry Lee Hankins
Executed June 2, 2009 06:19 p.m. CDT by Lethal Injection in Texas
30th murderer executed in U.S. in 2009
1166th murderer executed in U.S. since 1976
16th murderer executed in Texas in 2009
439th murderer executed in Texas since 1976

Summary:
On Sunday, 26 August 2001, Hankins shot his 34-year-old wife, Tammy, in the head with a .45-caliber pistol while she was sleeping in their trailer home in Mansfield, near Fort Worth. The next day, Hankins killed his stepchildren, Kevin, 12, and Ashley, 10, in the same manner. They immediately suspected Hankins, because police had repeatedly been summoned to the home in recent months for domestic disturbances, fighting, and breaking and entering. There was also evidence that Hankins engaged in sexual activity with and around the dead bodies. His semen was found on the sheet on Ashley's bed. After his arrest on August 30 Hankins shocked police by telling them where to find the decomposing bodies of his father Earnie Hankins, 55, and his sister, Pearl "Sissy" Stevenstar, 20, whom he killed 10 months earlier. Hankins was convicted on overwhelming evidence. Ashley had defensive wounds "all over her body" according to prosecutors, and hair later proven to belong to Hankins was found in her hand. In a note found near Ashley's body, Hankins wrote: "I guess to sum it all up, I'm guilty of murder, incest, hatred, fraud, theft, jealousy and envy." Hankins also wrote in a diary Aug. 17 that he was contemplating the murders.
Final/Special Meal:
Fried chicken, pork chops, cheeseburgers, breaded fried okra, French fries and brownies.
Final Words:
"Yes, I am sorry for what I've done and for all of the pain and suffering that my actions have caused. Jesus is Lord. All glory to God."
The Execution
At 6:19 p.m., just 11 minutes following the lethal injection, Hankins was pronounced dead.