Texas killer is executed for the 2004 strangling and stabbing death of a young mother

A Texas man convicted of fatally strangling and stabbing a young mother more than 20 years ago was executed Wednesday evening as the victim’s mother and other relatives looked on.Moises Sandoval Mendoza, 41, received a lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville and was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m.He was sentenced to death for his conviction in the March 2004 killing of 20-year-old Rachelle O’Neil Tolleson.After a spiritual adviser prayed over him for about two minutes, Mendoza apologized repeatedly to the victim’s two parents and other relatives present, calling to each by name.“I am sorry for having robbed you of Rachelle’s life,” he said, addressing the parents, one of her brothers, a cousin and an uncle watching through a window from an adjoining room.Mendoza also said he had robbed Tolleson’s daughter of her mother, adding, “I’m sorry for that.I know nothing that I could ever say or do would ever make up for that.

I want you to know that I am sincere.I apologize.”The daughter wasn’t present for the execution.He then spoke briefly in Spanish, addressing his wife, his sister and two friends watching through a window from another witness room.“I love you, I am with you, I am well and at peace,” he said in Spanish, his words provided in a transcript in English translation.

“You know that I’m well, and everything is love.”As the injection began, he could be heard making two loud gasps and then began snoring.After about 10 snores, all movement ceased and he was pronounced dead 19 minutes later.Prosecutors say Mendoza, 41, took Tolleson from her north Texas home, leaving her 6-month-old daughter alone.

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The infant was found cold and wet but safe the next day by Tolleson’s mother.Toll...