The State of Texas carried out its fourth execution of the year tonight, putting Manuel Vasquez to death for the 1998 murder of 51-year-old Juanita Ybarra in San Antonio. It was the 41st execution involving an individual convicted in Bexar County since 1982 and the 2nd this year. Read more about Vasquez from the Texas Tribune.
News broke earlier this week that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice only has enough compounded pentobarbital to carry out this execution and one more scheduled for next week. According to the Associated Press, the agency “is scrambling to find a supplier to replenish its inventory of execution drugs” but will not disclose information regarding any potential sources.
We appreciate everyone who participated in vigils around the state today.