Martin Has Beef, But Has No Beef With the Justice System

Jerry Martin, executed by the state of Texas tonight, did something few death row inmates have done; he admitted his crime and apologized for it.

Martin was serving a 50-year jail term for attempted murder when he and another inmate stole a truck and tried to escape from a prison work detail. A 59-year-old female corrections officer was killed during the attempt, and after Martin was re-apprehended a short time later, he was sentenced to death.

A condemned inmate's last days are normally a log jam of legal maneuvers, but Martin accepted his death sentence and requested that no appeals be filed on his behalf. "I didn't mean for it to happen, but it happened," he said in his final statement. "I take full responsibility."

Since Texas no longer allows inmates to request special last meals, Martin was served the same food as others in his unit. For his last meal, Jerry Martin had BBQ chopped beef, macaroni & cheese, peas & carrots, pinto beans, and sliced bread. He was given a choice of lemonade, tea, and water to drink.