A convicted murderer expressed remorse to the victim’s family in his final statement before being executed on death row. Cedric Ricks, 51, was put to death by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas, for the fatal stabbings of Roxann Sanchez and her eight-year-old son, Anthony Figueroa. Ricks also attacked Roxann’s older son, Marcus Figueroa, who survived by pretending to be dead during the ordeal.

In his last moments, Ricks apologized to the family, saying, “I want to say that I’m sorry for taking Roxann and Anthony from y’all. I’m glad to be able to speak to tell y’all that face to face.” He expressed hope for forgiveness from the victims’ relatives and specifically addressed Marcus, acknowledging the pain he caused by taking away his mother and brother.

During the execution, witnessed by seven relatives including Marcus, Ricks took his final breaths after receiving the lethal injection. The incident occurred 13 years after the tragic events in Bedford, Texas, where Ricks committed the brutal act following a domestic dispute.

Ricks had been sentenced to death over a decade ago for the violent attack. The prosecution revealed that after the stabbings, Marcus managed to hide and call for help while Ricks fled the scene. Ricks, who claimed he was defending himself during the incident, had a history of anger issues according to his testimony during the trial.

Despite expressing regret and seeking forgiveness, Ricks met his fate with the administration of the lethal drug. The execution brought closure to the long-standing legal case that stemmed from the tragic events that shook the community years ago.