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Post by rayozz on Apr 15, 2015 1:13:50 GMT -6
A man convicted in the shooting death of John "Rocky" Riojas in February of 2001 is scheduled for execution next week.
Behind a prison glass, death row inmate Manuel Garza talks about the night Officer Riojas was shot and killed.
"I'm 20 years old, and I'm a young thug," said Garza.
Garza says he was getting ready to go on a double date, and was waiting for his ride at a Northwest side apartment complex.
Officer Riojas was patrolling the area and confronted Garza when he thought he was acting suspicious. Garza ran from officers, later telling police it was because he had several outstanding warrants.
"So when my ride leaves, I run, so I'm running and when I'm running, I'm going to the back of the apartment complex," added Garza. Garza and Officer Riojas ended up in a struggle. Garza says Officer Riojas reached for his gun.
The convicted murderer describes what he did next: "As soon as I seen that I grabbed it and I twist, and when I twist I get on my stomach and I take it away," Garza went on to say.
Garza didn't talk about firing Officer Riojas' gun, or his shooting death, only how he called a friend that night to take him home.
"I thought I was shot, just like you know, it freaked me out. That was it. Like two days later they arrested me," said Garza.
Officer Riojas' death garnered statewide attention and prompted the Texas Legislature to increase the penalty for taking an officers weapon.
Garza said he regrets not being there for his younger brother the last few years, and not staying in school.
When asked if he had anything to say to Officer Riojas' family, including his wife and children, Garza responded "No, no I don't. What can I say? What am I supposed to say, you know?"
Garza did appeal his case several times. His execution date is set for April 15th.
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Post by rayozz on Apr 15, 2015 17:53:49 GMT -6
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Post by whitediamonds on Apr 15, 2015 18:22:13 GMT -6
If he was raised wrong abused, his Mom seeing him be executed should feel so much guilt. Wonder if she does?
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Post by Californian on Apr 16, 2015 12:41:43 GMT -6
If he was raised wrong abused, his Mom seeing him be executed should feel so much guilt. Wonder if she does? Maybe she just wanted to make sure he was dead.
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Post by whitediamonds on Apr 16, 2015 13:24:39 GMT -6
If he was raised wrong abused, his Mom seeing him be executed should feel so much guilt. Wonder if she does? Maybe she just wanted to make sure he was dead.
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