Dallas, Texas – A Texas man who had maintained his innocence for over 20 years was executed Wednesday evening for the murders of his cousin and his cousin’s girlfriend. Ivan Cantu, 50, was put to death by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville for the fatal shooting of James Mosqueda, 27, and Amy Kitchen, 22, in November 2000.
Cantu had long claimed that his conviction was based on false testimony and questionable evidence. In his final moments, he repeatedly professed his innocence. Prosecutors, however, argued that Cantu killed his cousin, who was involved in illegal drug activities, and Kitchen while attempting to steal drugs, money, and cash from his cousin’s home in north Dallas.
Despite efforts to delay the execution, Cantu’s attorney did not submit a final appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Two lower courts had previously denied Cantu’s requests to stay his execution, citing that his new evidence was not credible. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles also voted against commuting Cantu’s death sentence.
Various public figures, including faith leaders, celebrities, and politicians, had supported the efforts to delay Cantu’s execution. However, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis maintained that the evidence presented at trial proved Cantu’s guilt. Cantu’s attorney argued that new evidence cast doubt on the integrity of the state’s case against him.
Witness testimonies and forensic evidence were key factors in Cantu’s conviction. His then-girlfriend, the prosecution’s main witness, testified that he had confessed to the murders and had taken her back to the crime scene. However, Cantu’s attorney alleged that her testimony was inaccurate and based on false statements.
New witness statements supported Cantu’s claim that a drug supplier to his cousin had threatened him days before the murders. An independent investigation by a private investigator revealed additional evidence that were not considered during Cantu’s trial.
The execution of Cantu marked the first in Texas this year, with the next one not scheduled until June 26. The state has been known for its active use of capital punishment, but recent developments have led to stays in other scheduled executions.