Death Row Inmate Chooses Pickled Pig Knuckles as Last Meal in Tennessee

A Texas inmate was executed on Wednesday, marking the state's first execution of 2024. Ivan Cantu, 50, was pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m. after being administered a lethal injection. He was an inmate at the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville.

Conviction and Final Words

Cantu was convicted in 2001 for the murders of his 27-year-old cousin, James Mosqueda and Mosqueda's girlfriend, Amy Kitchen, 22, who were found shot dead in November 2000. Despite the conviction, Cantu maintained his innocence and used his final words to proclaim, "I want you to know that I never killed James and Amy."

Cantu also expressed disbelief that his death would bring closure, stating, "If it does, if this is what it takes or have any reservations off in your mind, then so be it."

Contesting Testimony and New Evidence

Cantu had been accused of attempting to steal drugs and cash from Mosqueda before the murders. However, he contended that his cousin was actually killed by a rival drug dealer. His lawyer, Gena Bunn, challenged the testimony provided by Cantu's ex-girlfriend, Amy Boettcher, asserting that it contained false statements.

Furthermore, Bunn gathered new evidence purportedly demonstrating Cantu's innocence, but ultimately chose not to submit an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court shortly before the execution. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had previously deemed the new evidence "not credible," emphasizing that it did not undermine the critical incriminating evidence against Cantu.

Prosecution's Stance

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis voiced his conviction that Cantu was the perpetrator of the double murder, stating, "I am convinced that Ivan Cantu brutally murdered two innocent victims in 2000."

Upcoming Executions

Cantu's execution marked Texas' first of 2024. The next scheduled execution is for James Harris, Jr., whose March 13 execution date was postponed due to a stay issued by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.