Cedric Ricks executed in Texas for double murder
Cedric Ricks was executed by lethal injection on March 11, 2026, in Huntsville, Texas. Ricks, aged 51, was convicted for the brutal stabbing of his girlfriend, Roxann Sanchez, and her 8-year-old son, Anthony Figueroa, during a violent incident on May 1, 2013.
The execution took place at 6:55 p.m. CDT, marking Ricks as the second person executed in Texas in 2026 and the sixth in the United States for the year. Ricks’s violent history included previous charges of assault against Sanchez, which raised concerns about the circumstances leading to the tragic events that unfolded in 2013.
During the attack, Sanchez’s 12-year-old son, Marcus Figueroa, survived by pretending to be dead, while Ricks inflicted multiple stab wounds on both his girlfriend and her children. Reports indicate that Marcus was stabbed 25 times but managed to escape the immediate aftermath of the violence. Ricks’s actions have been described as a “nightmarish episode of brutality” by the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
In his final moments, Ricks expressed remorse, apologizing to the family of his victims. His last words included, “I want to say that I’m sorry for taking Roxann and Anthony from y’all,” and he specifically addressed Marcus, saying, “I always thought about you and I’m sorry that I took your mom and your brother away.” Ricks’s apology was witnessed by seven family members of the victims, who were present at the execution.
Ricks had a 9-month-old son, Isaiah, with Sanchez, who was unharmed during the attack. The case has drawn attention not only for its horrific nature but also for the legal battles that ensued. Ricks’s attorneys argued that racial discrimination influenced the jury selection process, but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in the matter.
The execution of Cedric Ricks serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding violence and justice in the United States. As the legal system continues to grapple with cases of domestic violence and the implications of such acts, Ricks’s case highlights the tragic consequences that can arise from a history of abuse.
As the community reflects on the events surrounding Ricks’s execution, the focus remains on the impact of his actions on the victims’ families and the broader societal implications of violence. The case underscores the need for continued dialogue and action regarding domestic violence and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
