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USA (TEXAS): SEVENTH EXECUTION OF 2015
February 4, 2015: Texas executed Donald Newbury, 52, White. Newbury became the 3rd member of the group known as the "Texas 7" executed. As the lethal dose of pentobarbital took effect, he closed his eyes, then took a deep breath and began snoring. After about a dozen snores, each a bit quieter, he stopped all movement. He was pronounced dead 11 minutes later. The gang of 7 overpowered workers on Dec. 13, 2000, at the Connally Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, about 60 miles south of San Antonio. They broke into a prison armory, stole weapons and drove off in a prison truck. It was the biggest prison break in Texas history. On December 24, 2000 the gang killed 29-year-old Aubrey Hawkins, a police officer who interrupted the fugitives' robbery of a store. The gang was captured a month later in Colorado. The gang was apprehended a month later. One of them, Larry Harper, killed himself rather than surrender. George Rivas was put to death 3 years ago at age 41. George Rodriguez was executed in 2008 at age 45. Three remain on death row: Joseph Garcia, 43; Patrick Murphy Jr., 53; and Randy Halprin, 37. Newbury becomes the 3rd inmate to be put to death this year in Texas and the 521st overall since the state resumed capital punishment on December 7, 1982. Newbury becomes the 7th inmate to be put to death this year in the USA and the 1401st overall since the nation resumed executions on January 17, 1977. (Sources: Associated Press & Rick Halperin, 04/02/2015)
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