On Tuesday, October 28, 2014, the State of Texas is scheduled to execute Miguel Paredes for the murders of Adrian Torres, Nelly Bravo, and Shawn Michael Caine in San Antonio. Paredes was 18 years old in 2000, when he and two accomplices shot the three victims, took their bodies to Frio County, and set them on fire. The two co-defendants are currently serving life sentences.
Paredes, who was part of the violent Hermanos de Pistoleros gang, sees life differently now that he has become a Christian. He reportedly understands and accepts the consequences of his actions, but does not support the death penalty, telling the San Antonio Express-News, “Focus on the people that are really affected by this. This is not painless. It’s hurting the people that are law-abiding, that pay their taxes, that don’t hurt nobody. Their only crime is to love somebody.” Paredes has a 16-year-old son and numerous siblings.
This is the last execution scheduled to occur in Texas in 2014. This will be the fewest number of people executed here since 1996. To date, Texas has executed 517 inmates, more than any other state.
You can voice your opposition to this execution by attending a vigil in your area.