Texas executes Garcia White for murder of mother and twin daughters | News

Hours before his execution, Garcia White was said to have sat quietly and reservedly in the death chamber cell on Tuesday afternoon, the Texas Department of Corrections said.

White, 61, was convicted of murdering 16-year-old twin daughters in Houston in 1989. He was using cocaine with the girl's mother, Bonita Edwards, when they began arguing. White told investigators that when she reached for a knife, he grabbed it and confessed to killing her too.

The twins Bernette and Annette heard the argument and left their room. White said he chased them into the bedroom, killing one in the bedroom and the other in the living room. The girls had celebrated their birthday the day before. Authorities said Bernette was sexually assaulted.

Their murders remained unsolved for six years before an informant told police that White had confessed to the murders of the mother and twin daughters.

White also confessed to murdering five people in three separate incidents. Greta Williams, 27, was first; White said he beat her to death in 1989. The Edwards family murders occurred several months later. He was caught after his final murder of Hai Pham, a supermarket worker who was beaten to death. White was never convicted of the murders of Williams and Pham.

Several family members of the other victims appeared as witnesses at the execution, including the families of Williams, Pham and two other victims, Dewanta Washington and Keith Willis.

The United States Supreme Court rejected the final appeal filed by White's lawyers shortly before 6 p.m

At 6:34 p.m., White was strapped to the stretcher and made his final statement.

“I would like to apologize for all the wrongs I have done and the pain I have caused the Edwards family. I am sorry, I apologize and I pray that you can find peace, comfort and closure in your heart for the wrong.” “I did it and the pain I caused you and everyone else I hurt White said, his voice hoarse as he spoke.

He continued to speak and thanked his family, friends and loved ones. He added that he was sorry for the pain he had caused anyone.

He then sang, “I trust in God.” He repeated his apology and thanked the administration and guards. He spoke for a total of five minutes.

The fatal dose of drugs began at 6:39 p.m. and White was pronounced dead at 6:56 p.m

There were no family or friends who attended White's execution.

The next scheduled execution of Robert Roberson III at the Huntsville Unit is scheduled for October 17.