Despite a flurry of last-minute opposition, the state of
Texas executed convicted killer Ruben Cardenas tonight for the rape and murder of
his 15-year-old cousin in 1997. Cardenas was a Mexican citizen who had been on
death row in the USA for 20 years. His lawyers and the Mexican government
claimed that Cardenas’ case was fraught with legal improprieties, and that his
execution was an illegal act.
Texas no longer allows special last meal requests, meaning
executed inmates are given the same food as other prisoners in their unit prior
to execution. Ironically, however, the last meal for Cardenas was a South of the Border feast
that included beef soft tacos, Spanish rice, refried beans, Mexican corn,
salsa, flour tortillas, and spiced beef rolls, with a choice of water, tea, or
punch to drink.
