Manuel Garza: Cop Shooter, Chop Chewer

Manuel Garza Jr. was executed by the state of Texas tonight for shooting a police officer in the head with the man’s own gun back in 2001. Garza, who had already racked up a long list of criminal offenses by then, blamed the police officer for the tragedy.  “I truly think this was the cop’s fault,” Garza said. “I don't see why he wanted to pull out his gun.” The police officer was part of a squad investigating property crimes at apartment complexes, and Garza became hostile when he was stopped for questioning.

Because Texas no longer allows inmates to order special last meals, Garza was given the same food as others in his unit. For his last meal, Garza had a grilled pork chop, sweet potatoes, green beans, black beans, cornbread, and peach cake, with a choice of water, tea, or punch to drink.