Cedric Ricks executed in Texas for brutal double murder
Cedric Ricks was executed by lethal injection on March 11, 2026, in Huntsville, Texas, for the brutal stabbing of his girlfriend, Roxann Sanchez, and her eight-year-old son, Anthony Figueroa, in 2013. Ricks, aged 51, was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m. CDT, marking a significant moment in a case that has drawn attention due to its violent nature and the tragic loss of life.
The horrific events occurred on May 1, 2013, when Ricks fatally attacked Sanchez, aged 30, and her son, Anthony, in their home. Ricks’s actions left Sanchez’s other son, 12-year-old Marcus Figueroa, traumatized but alive, as he survived the attack by pretending to be dead. This incident not only shattered a family but also raised questions about domestic violence and its devastating consequences.
Ricks’s execution was the second in Texas in 2026 and the sixth in the United States for the year. His case had been marked by a history of violence, including previous assault charges against Sanchez. Despite his attorneys’ claims that racial bias influenced jury selection, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene, allowing the execution to proceed as scheduled.
During the execution, Ricks expressed remorse, stating, “I want to say that I’m sorry for taking Roxann and Anthony from y’all.” He specifically addressed Marcus, saying, “I always thought about you and I’m sorry that I took your mom and your brother away.” His last words were a plea for peace for the victims’ family, reflecting a moment of acknowledgment of the pain he caused.
The Texas Attorney General’s Office described the incident as “a nightmarish episode of brutality,” emphasizing the severity of Ricks’s actions. The execution was witnessed by seven family members of the victims, who had endured years of grief and trauma since the tragic events unfolded.
Ricks’s case has sparked discussions about the legal system’s handling of domestic violence cases and the implications of capital punishment. The emotional toll on the surviving family members, particularly Marcus, who was only a child at the time of the attack, remains a poignant reminder of the far-reaching effects of such violence.
As the legal proceedings concluded with Ricks’s execution, the community reflected on the broader issues of violence and justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic violence and the need for continued advocacy and support for victims and their families.
