Additional Coverage:
- Texas man executed for killing infant son after waiving right to appeal death sentence (newsbreak.com)
Texas Man Executed for Infant Son’s Murder
On Tuesday evening, Travis Mullis, 38, was executed in Texas for the 2008 murder of his 3-month-old son, Alijah. Mullis had waived his right to appeal his death sentence.
Gruesome Details
Authorities stated that Mullis drove to Galveston with his son after an argument with his girlfriend. He parked and sexually assaulted the infant, then strangled and stomped on his head. Alijah’s body was later found on the roadside.
Execution and Legal Proceedings
Mullis’ execution proceeded after his attorney announced no late appeals. He also declined to file a clemency petition. Mullis had previously expressed remorse for his actions and said his punishment was justified.
Mental Health Concerns
Mullis has a history of mental illness and has been treated since childhood. His attorney argued that his mental state affected his decision to waive his appeals.
However, state courts and the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Mullis was competent at the time of his waiver.
Upcoming Executions
Mullis’ execution is part of a busy period for capital punishment in the U.S. If the remaining executions in Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma are carried out, it will mark the first time in over 20 years that five executions have occurred within a seven-day period.