Before his execution on death row, a convicted double murderer, Cedric Ricks, expressed remorse to the family of the victims. Ricks, who was 51 years old, had fatally stabbed Roxann Sanchez and her eight-year-old son, Anthony Figueroa, following an altercation at their residence. He also assaulted Roxann’s older son, Marcus Figueroa, then aged 12, who pretended to be deceased to survive the attack.
The execution took place at a state prison in Huntsville, Texas, where Ricks received a lethal injection and was pronounced dead 30 minutes later. Addressing the victim’s family, Ricks stated, “I want to say that I’m sorry for taking Roxann and Anthony from y’all. I’m glad to be able to speak to tell y’all that face to face.”
Ricks expressed a hope for forgiveness from the relatives of his victims and directed an apology to Marcus, acknowledging the pain he caused by taking away his mother and brother. Tearfully, he added, “I always thought about you and I’m sorry that I took your mom and your brother away. I hate that you had to experience that, I just can’t imagine, but I’m truly sorry for what I’ve done, and I wish y’all peace and joy as much as you can but I’m sorry, that’s all I can say… I hope y’all go in peace. I really do. I’m sorry.”
The execution was witnessed by seven of the victims’ relatives, including Marcus, 13 years after the tragic events in Bedford, Texas. They observed Ricks, strapped to a gurney, take 19 rapid breaths and emit 10 snoring sounds following the administration of the lethal drug dose.
Ricks had been sentenced to death over a decade ago after he attacked Roxann with a knife during a dispute. Marcus, upon witnessing the violence, sought refuge in his bedroom closet and contacted the authorities. After killing Anthony, Ricks also assaulted Marcus before leaving the scene. He did not harm his own infant son, Isaiah, who was present during the incident.
During his trial for capital murder, Ricks admitted to having anger issues and claimed he was acting in self-defense against the two boys, who were not biologically his, when they intervened to protect their mother.
In his testimony at the trial, Ricks expressed regret, stating, “Explaining my rage, I was upset. Things happen. I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know. I wish I could bring them back, like, right now.”
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