John Allen Rubio was executed by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas, for the 2003 Brownsville murders of his three young children, authorities confirmed.
Rubio, 46, was pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m. following the procedure, marking the state’s latest execution in a case that shocked the Rio Grande Valley nearly 23 years ago. His execution followed an Oklahoma lethal injection carried out earlier the same day.
Rubio and Camacho Killed Three Children in Brownsville
The crimes occurred on March 11, 2003, inside a windowless apartment in Brownsville where Rubio lived with his common-law wife, Angela Camacho. Investigators established that Rubio and Camacho stabbed and decapitated 3-year-old Julissa Quesada, 14-month-old John E. Rubio, and 2-month-old Mary Jane Rubio, according to court records.
While Rubio was only the biological father of the youngest infant, court documents showed he helped raise the older children.
Following his arrest, Rubio told investigators that he believed the children were possessed, and at various points claimed he was the “chosen one” intended to save the world. During legal proceedings, defense experts diagnosed him with paranoid schizophrenia and argued he was not guilty by reason of insanity, though prosecution experts disputed those findings, the Associated Press reported.
At his second trial, Rubio again pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but he was once again convicted and sentenced to death. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and a state district judge recently rejected defense motions requesting a stay of execution and confirming his legal competence.
Rubio Expressed Regret and Thanked Supporters Before Death
After a spiritual adviser prayed over him briefly, Rubio thanked his friends and family for their “love and understanding,” acknowledged that he was “not the same person I once was,” and thanked prison staff for teaching him how to find God.
I want to say I’m sorry to my wife’s family. I can’t change the past, but I can tell you my life is going to be over. But that’s not going to make you happy.
John Allen Rubio, via The Associated Press
Rubio also offered remarks about his children prior to his death, stating that he missed them so much and that he was tormented because the same hands that caressed, kissed, hugged, and changed their diapers had taken their lives. He added that he had found Jesus nearly 20 years ago.
I’m going to be with my kids in a little bit. I’m ready to go to heaven to be with my lord and savior.
John Allen Rubio, via The Associated Press
The Brownsville apartment building where the children were killed was demolished years ago.
U.S. Executions Reach 37 Following Thursday Events
Thursday’s events brought the total number of U.S. executions for the year to 37.
Earlier coverage: Indiana, Florida and Alabama carry out executions on same day
