Texas is known for its strict law enforcement, and for those convicted of serious crimes, the consequences are severe. One inmate, David Wood, is about to face that reality as he is scheduled for execution on March 13, 2025.
Who Is David Wood?
David Wood, a 67-year-old inmate, has been on death row for over 36 years. Born on June 6, 1957, Wood was sentenced to death in June 1988 for the brutal murder of 24-year-old Ivy Susanna Williams in El Paso, Texas.
His case is part of a string of crimes that terrorized the El Paso area in 1987. Between June and August of that year, six female victims were found murdered in the desert. Wood was linked to all six murders and faced charges in each case.
A History of Violence
Before his conviction for murder, Wood already had a disturbing criminal record. His past charges included indecency with a child, sexual assault, and rape. The severity of these crimes cemented his place on death row.
A Halted Execution in 2009
Wood was originally set for execution on August 20, 2009. However, his legal team argued that he was mentally disabled and, therefore, ineligible for the death penalty. This claim led to a temporary halt in the execution process.
After years of legal battles, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejected his mental disability claim in 2014. With no remaining legal barriers, the 171st District Court of El Paso County set his final execution date in August 2024. He will be executed at the Huntsville Unit death chamber.
Texas Executions Scheduled for 2025
Wood is just one of several inmates scheduled for execution in Texas in 2025. Other death row inmates include:
- Steven Lawayne Nelson (Executed on February 5, 2025): Convicted of murdering a pastor during a church robbery. The pastor was suffocated with a plastic bag and suffered severe blunt force trauma.
- Richard Tabler (Executed on February 13, 2025): Shot and killed two men in 2004, recording the crime on video.
- Moises S. Mendoza (Execution Date: April 23, 2025): Strangled a 20-year-old woman, kept her body behind his house for days, and later set it on fire before burying it.
- Matthew Johnson (Execution Date: May 20, 2025): Poured bleach on a gas station employee, set them on fire, and stole cash and cigarettes. The victim later died from severe burns.
How Texas Carries Out Executions
Texas primarily uses lethal injection for executions, but other methods have been legally permitted in some states, including:
- Hanging – Still an option in New Hampshire and Washington.
- Gas Chamber – Previously common but still legal in states like California and Arizona.
- Electric Chair – Used in some southern states as an alternative to lethal injection.
- Firing Squad – Still an option in Utah, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
The Controversy Surrounding the Death Penalty
The death penalty continues to be a heated topic in the United States. Supporters argue that it serves as justice for victims and a deterrent for violent crimes. Opponents, however, question its fairness, effectiveness, and ethical implications.
For now, Texas remains firm in its stance, ensuring that those convicted of the most heinous crimes face the ultimate punishment.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.