Farley Matchett

Farley Charles Matchett (November 19, 1962 – September 12, 2006) was executed by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas for the robbery and murder of Uries Anderson.

Criminal history

Matchett had no prior felony convictions, but he did have a history of drug use and other minor offenses. He was discharged from the army in 1981 for being AWOL, fighting with another soldier, and possession of marijuana. In 1989, he was convicted of marijuana possession and was sentenced to 6 months of probation. He was also enrolled in a drug and alcohol program for his $600-a-day habit, but he never showed up for further treatment after his initial visit. He later said that his court-ordered drug treatment programs were not right for him, because they did not use medication to help him overcome his addiction.

The crimes

On July 10, 1991, Farley Matchett, addicted to crack cocaine, beat Ola Mae Williams, 91, on the head with a hammer after she refused to give him money for his drug habit. The next day, Matchett beat Melonee Josey, 74, on the head after she also refused to give him money. Matchett then stole Josey's vehicle and drove it to Houston. Williams suffered permanent brain damage from the attack. Josey died.

On July 12, Matchett showed up at the home of Uries Anderson. Anderson owed Matchett money, but instead of giving Matchett the money he was owed, Anderson gave him a lecture about his drug habit. Matchett then stabbed Anderson in the back twice and beat him on the head with a hammer. Anderson's body was found two days later. Matchett was later arrested when he forged and tried to cash one of Anderson's personal checks. He confessed to all three attacks.

Matchett received a 99-year sentence for the Williams beating, and a life sentence for the Josey murder. In 1993, a jury sentenced him to death for the Anderson murder. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction and death sentence in 1996. All of his following appeals were denied.

Matchett's letter

While on death row, Matchett wrote a letter that was published on several anti-death-penalty web sites. [http://www.ccadp.org/farleymatchett.htm] In the letter, Matchett claimed he killed Anderson in self-defense. Matchett wrote that he and Anderson had a fight, then Anderson grabbed a knife and attempted to slit his throat. Matchett was able to push the knife back, stabbing Anderson in the chest. According to Matchett's letter, he called paramedics, and Anderson died in surgery.

Matchett also claimed that the police beat a confession out of him and led his hand in signing it. He wrote that he pleaded guilty after his lawyer assured him that the death penalty was off the table. The Assistant District Attorney said that there was never a deal to spare Matchett from the death penalty, and that the questions asked of prospective jurors during jury selection should have made that obvious.

Execution

Matchett had a last meal request of four olives and a bottle of wild-berry flavored water, and was executed on September 12, 2006 by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas. He left behind 3 daughters, Kari, Diana, and Teri, and two grandchildren. His last words were:: "To my family and my mother and my three precious daughters, I love you all. And to my brother and sister for standing with me throughout this situation. Stay strong and know that I'm in a better place. I ask for forgiveness. And to the victim's family, find peace and cancellation with my death and move on. Our Lord Jesus Christ, I commend myself to you. I am ready."

See also

* List of individuals executed in Texas
* Capital punishment in the United States

References

* [http://www.txexecutions.org/reports/376.asp Texas Execution Information]
* [http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/statistics/deathrow/drowlist/matchett.jpgOffender Information] . "Texas Department of Criminal Justice". Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
* [http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/matchettfarleylast.htm Last Statement] . "Texas Department of Criminal Justice". Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
* [http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/death/US/matchett1046.htm Farley Charles Matchett] . "The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney". Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
* [http://deadmaneating.blogspot.com/2006/10/texas-last-meal-farley-charles.html Farley Charles Matchett] . "Dead Man Eating". Retrieved on 2007-11-17.