"Tonight, Billy George Hughes Jr. Today, as I reflect on this almost six weeks ago, what comes through to me is that yes, I will never be the same after this execution. script and published cartoons illustrating animal rights and other causes. Murderer(Race/Sex/Age at Murder-Execution) True enough, as Mr. Buckley huffed, Gov. humor.". How did Hughes take the news that his death would be surrounded by satirical fanfare? putting Texas and George W. Bush under the spotlight on the death penalty (1995) - FOR 19 years, Billy Hughes Jr. has called Texas' death row home. The jury took only 47 minutes to sentence Hughes to death. I asked him what he wanted to do--Billy answered with one word, "Party!" During his investigation, Agent Owens also learned that Hughes had previously threatened to kill a young child and had frequently beat his wife when she complained of his criminal conduct. The Lamp of Hope Project was founded by Texas Death Row Prisoners. They grinned, cheered and waved their foam fingers. I wonder what the doctor writes down as the purpose of this prescription." After the morning visit, Billy was transported from death row at the Ellis Unit to the Walls Unit in Huntsville where the execution would take place. I treasure every asked Atwood. ABOLISH Archives (Scripps Howard News Service). Hughes stopped in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Washington, D.C.; and Baltimore, Maryland. The fact that Hughes -- who is preparing yet another round of appeals -- continues to live angers many of those who feel strongly that the death penalty is just and that extraordinary delays rob the punishment of its deterrent effect. escapade had misrepresented themselves and hyped aspects of the event, David Atwood, president of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, and Dudley Sharp, vice president of Justice for All, both visibly pissed off, yelled at each other at almost exactly the same time, "Did you do this?" Billy George Hughes Jr. "Mr. Hughes has told a number of stories over the years," he continued. Hughes then fled the scene. during a traffic stop in April, 1976, by Hughes, a 25-year-old wanted "I love you all and my family. Death Penalty, was a staged celebration following Billy George Hughes' The troopers observed that the car had been struck by several bullets, and inside the car was a holster and a room key from the Days Inn Motel in Brookshire. ", Clements said that members of a production company that filmed the Summary of Incident On the evening of April 4, 1976, Billy George Hughes checked into the Days Inn Motel in Brookshire (west of Houston), Texas, using a stolen credit card. Go, Texas Go!" "Is this what George Bush wants?" They have the routine down pat: There were seven executions in just over two weeks last month; there have been 119 since George W. took office. "We definitely agree with the death penalty," said Bethanie Barnett, a Houston paralegal and leader of Gulf Coast Survivors of Homicide. Hughes was indicted for extortion and pled guilty, receiving probation. lobbyist. Hughes' second conviction and sentence were automatically appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. At the time of his death, he was 57 years old. The troopers were responding to a dispatcher's report that a man driving a similar car had attempted to use a stolen credit card at a nearby motel. Needless to say, the anti-death-penalty camp was a little sadder than normal to see a "reformed" man die. But, he is not that unique in character from others on death row. Prior to his first trial, Hughes told examining psychiatrists that he had consumed large quantities of beer on the day of the offense which led to "spotty amnesia" around the time of the offense. "REFLECTIONS OF A WITNESS AT AN EXECUTION," by Charles Sullivan. He was previously married to Aida. He's a killing machine! AUSTIN - Friday, January 21, 2000 - Texas Attorney General John Cornyn offers the following information on Billy George Hughes who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m., Monday, January 24th: Hughes continued his trek throughout the southeast during the early spring of 1976. On the evening of April 4, 1976, Billy George Hughes checked into the Days Inn Motel in Brookshire (west of Houston), Texas, using a stolen credit card. Trooper Frederick exited the police car and walked up to the driver's side door of Hughes's car. Billy continued his control. Hughes' bid for help on Monday. A witness to another execution had said this to me. mother her health," he continued. The staff replied in kind, "Billy if you get a stay, we'll let you drive back!" Michael Moore, best known for "Roger and Me," a documentary film that There were "wisecracks" and jokes, even gallows humor. Hughes was later filmed by a television cameraman at prearranged drop sites. While in Nashville, Hughes purchased a .45 automatic handgun with another stolen check and stole an Alabama license plate from another car. approached Hughes car. He offered cans of ginger ale, passed out foam fingers and praised George W. Bush. After Hughes pulled onto an interstate exit ramp, Trooper Mark Frederick approached the driver's side of the Ford. Maybe so but I hope they're wrong. Hughes's conviction was automatically appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and was affirmed in a published opinion. "Stand Up and Holler; A Huntsville execution draws a strange crowd," by Lauren Kern. In June 1988, Hughes was retried for Mark Frederick's capital murder in the the 23rd District Court of Matagorda County, Texas. He again was sentenced to die in June 1988, along the way filing many The clerk then left Hughes's room to notify the motel security guard of the problem. Date ofBirth He was the son of former stuntman and producer Billy E. Hughes Sr. His uncle is stuntman Robert (Whitey) Hughes. There was an orientation for witnesses at 3 PM. In this issue I would like to remember all who have served this organization and given of their time and energy. But George W. Bush, Jr. deserves all the credit he's due for his eager, cynical promotion of capital punishment. death penalty after the Hughes execution Monday. They have the routine down pat: There were seven executions in just over two weeks last month; there have been 119 since George W. took office. Approaching the Ford behind Frederick, Reichert heard a muffled shot and observed Frederick grunt and lurch to the side. In the years since the murder, Teer noted, Hughes has twice been tried and sentenced to die. Chants are shouted and exchanged. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)Troopers Jack Reichert and Mark Frederick pulled over the 1975 Ford LTD Hughes was driving on Interstate 10 near Sealy, Texas; they were responding to a dispatcher's report that a man driving a similar car had attempted to use a stolen credit card at a nearby motel. On Christmas Day, Billy was found dead. Over the next 24 years, Hughes was twice convicted of the crime. Mark, justice has April (Hughes) France, 41, of Daytona Beach Shores, passed away on September 6, 2016. Generally, they peacefully coexist like this until the witnesses emerge from the execution, indicating that everyone can go home. "Mr. Hughes has told a number of stories over the years," he continued. years to get to this moment? Hughes admitted to the stolen car and credit card, as well as a string of other thefts and robebries, but claimed that the police opened fire on him and he just blindly fired a shot which killed Officer Frederick. He died on December 20, 2005 in Alma, Arkansas, USA. According to Hill, he said, "Thank you." "WHILE THE BAND PLAYS ON," by Philip Brasfield. Even the news media -- well, those outlets that didn't miss the demonstration for days by relying on the AP feed -- didn't know where to put the blame or the credit. His father subsequently sent him to be raised by relatives in Wales. All I ask is that I have one day, and all the memories of you and my family and all the things that have happened. Police spokesman said his death is being treated as 'unexplained . Hughes will not take another life. Death Penalty, was a staged celebration following Billy George Hughes' On June 9, 1988, a jury found Hughes guilty of the charged capital offense. Hughes's conviction was automatically appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and was affirmed in a published opinion. The death penalty is arbitrary in how and to whom it is applied. Jay Martel wandered through the pro-death-penalty crowd outside the Huntsville prison on the night of January 24 without arousing suspicion. unsuccessful appeals that ended with the U.S. Supreme Court rejecting ", Atwood had more mixed feelings. they had a lighted scoreboard counting the number of executions. Hughes was indicted for extortion and pled guilty, receiving probation. criminal. the officers shot at him, leading him to fire one shot which struck and A check of Hughes's car revealed that it had been reported stolen. Billy twice served as editor of the Death Row Journal and contributed numerous cartoons for its pages. CURE began in San Antonio, Texas, in 1972, expanded statewide in 1975 and nationally in 1985. "This was very disrespectful to the family. Rounds also corroborated Agent Owens's version of Hughes's extortion attempts, and she described Hughes as a methodical, deliberate person. How did Hughes take the news that his death would be surrounded by satirical fanfare? "WHILE THE BAND PLAYS ON," by Philip Brasfield. His first film was Ole Rex in 1961, which was produced by his father. BILLY HUGHES JR. - Executed on January 24, 2000. If there had been cheerleaders, which there were, you can bet he wasn't surprised. cheers, and there was some guy without a shirt on, painted blue and From his cell, Hughes, a talented artist, has marketed a line of greeting cards and published camping guides for horse enthusiasts. Hughes claimed that, after he left the motel and was pulled over by Troopers Frederick and Reichert, the troopers opened fire on him without provocation, whereupon he fired a blind shot out the window. The chaplain replied that at least he is there and sometimes he is the only one there for the person being executed. Execute, execute, sis, boom, bah . While unexpected and downright surreal, I think that marching bands and cheerleaders are just what are needed at Texas were a family member of the officer I would have felt terrible, and I In 1988, on retrial Hughes was again convicted and sentenced to death. "What if after examination the doctor detects a heartbeat?" Killing power! outside the unit. Florida oranges, Texas cactus We kill convicts just for practice! attorney at Hughes' 2nd trial, also felt Hughes' claims of innocence Billie Holiday didn't have an easy upbringing. blind. years to get to this moment? they shouted at him from both sides. Citizen provocateur and KPFT Prison Show host Ray Hill was a gold mine of information for Moore's segment producers. bid for president by attacking his stance on capital punishment. But, I love you all, and you all watch out for Mom and you all keep up, keep going. "It shouldn't have been this way," Atwood said, shaking his head. Don't give up, don't give in. trying to portray those there to support the officer's family as drunken While many DPS officers were on hand for the execution, so were several police officers soon began, with Hughes being found near Sealy about 2 Today, as I reflect on this almost six weeks ago, what comes through to me is that yes, I will never be the same after this execution. Hamilton said. at that point.". following an execution. The show that has invited an HMO to a funeral, put a 24-hour Web cam on Lucianne Goldberg and earned a restraining order from the CEO of the biggest polluter in America this time recruited some like-minded actors/activists from Houston's maverick theater company Infernal Bridegroom Productions and descended on Huntsville. Rick Lemmon, a man who has lost both his twin brother and only son to murder, shouted back through a megaphone: "We have never killed anybody for practices.Y'all don't forget the victim here." Executions have been on hold in Florida since July, when a possible malfunction in "Old Sparky" caused Allen Davis to bleed profusely through his nose as he died.) The death penalty is many times more expensive to taxpayers than the cost of a life sentence. Hughes returned to Nashville, Tennessee, where his car was broken into and two .45's were stolen. Needless to say, the anti-death-penalty camp was a little sadder than normal to see a "reformed" man die. Sharp put his hand on Atwood's shoulder and said, "Anti-death-penalty and pro-death-penalty strongly believe in what they're doing, and that doesn't include disrespecting the other side." In the seventies and eighties, I walked the halls of the State Capitol and talked "face-to-face" with conservative as well as liberal legislators on prison reform and the death penalty. He then left Orlando for Daytona Beach, where he was robbed after leaving a nightclub. All of this is as obvious as the fallacy of "an eye for an eye" justification for capital punishment, which leaves the whole world They believe that overseeing (even through mission) the highest number of executions and amassing the most money in any presidential race in U.S. is so impressive to the rest of us that life as these self-styled compassionate conservatives know it will go on, relatively undisturbed and forever unchallenged -- With nearly a . Among his many film credits are "Ole Rex," "Stakeout," "Posse From Hell," "My Six Loves," "Five Card Stud" and "Smoke In The Wind." Mr. Hughes appeared in a His nsensitivity towards Karla Faye Tucker's petition for clemency criminal. "We did perform a stunt there, with a pep band and cheerleaders," Texas Department of Criminal Justice Patsy Teer, the mother of the man he killed, wants to end it. I want the guys to know out there not to give up, His initial account of being intoxicated prior to the offense is also contradicted by testimony from other trial witnesses who observed him at that time. Texas Public Safety Officer Mark Frederick pulled Hughes car over on Interstate 10 after hearing the dispatch of the stolen credit card and a vehicle description. The person preceding him to execution a few days earlier was Larry Robison who was known to be constantly trying to reconcile death row prisoners who had a "falling out". "All I ask is that I have one day, and Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants, or CURE organization, lobbyist. Who would have thought it would have taken 24 years to get to this moment? Woo! Death! death penalty supporters seemed to join the stunt before realizing it was I love you all and my family. The Bushes and the Buckleys and folks like them ignore the obvious. he asked, pushing the limits of playing dumb. The next day, Hughes bought a suit, a pair of boots, a cane, a shotgun, and some shells with another stolen check. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius. equally large group of uniformed anti-death penalty cheerleaders chanting Billy Hughes Jr. played his role to a tee. They are executing an innocent man because things did not happen as they say they happened, and the truth will come out some day. On January 21, 1976, Hughes rented a 1975 Ford LTD in Fair Hope, Alabama, which was to be returned on January 26, 1976. been served. Also, the prison staff genuinely wanted to make the execution as "easy" as possible on everyone involved. While in Beaumont, he used Martin's credit card to check into the Castle Motel. Following a punishment hearing, Hughes was sentenced to death. ). I am not the same Officials on the scene said it appeared the group was Mark Hughes' petition for writ of certiorari was denied by the Supreme Court of the United States on May 15, 1995. Billy Hughes (November 28, 1948 - December 20, 2005) (Billy Eugene Hughes, Jr.) was an American actor best known for various television and film roles he played during the 1960s. Protest signs are waved. William F. Buckley would not agree. But when six cheerleaders and a makeshift marching band came prancing around the corner belting out "When the Saints Come Marching In," it was clear that number 117 was not routine. It is that the persons actually being executed are those who will have the greatest influence on finally banishing the death penalty from our society. A contributing editor to The Other Side magazine, Brasfield is an advisor to the Board of the Texas Coalition Against the Death Penalty and Assistant Executive Director of The Lamp of Hope Project.] It was over in 15 minutes! that have been meted out since he came into office. Hughes immediately sped away from the scene as Trooper Reichert fired six times at the fleeing vehicle. Maybe so but I hope they're wrong. The death penalty is many times more expensive to taxpayers than the cost of a life sentence. ABOLISH Archives (The Huntsville Item) 5th murderer executed in Texas in 2000 Hughes then went to Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Nashville. And wasn't it "the law" in certain parts of Europe that allowed and supported a final solution to the perceived social problems then, by those who (like George W. and William F.) were the least likely to be personally affected by them? Jack Buetel, the star of Howard Hughes' steamy "The Outlaw," has died in a Portland, Ore., hospital, Daily Variety reported Thursday. Frederick had sustained a fatal wound. Hughes filed a notice of appeal on February 11, 1998, but the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on October 5, 1999, also denied permission to appeal. being filmed. 01-24-00 Of course, partying when you live for 24 years on death row can mean simply eating a special candy bar. In typical Billy fashion, he said he would go with the guards on this 20 minute ride on one condition: They would let him drive. It was ProDeathPenalty.com Who would have thought it would have taken 24 years to get to this moment? escapade had misrepresented themselves and hyped aspects of the event, happened. He was quite a talented young actor and it is unfortunate that circumstances halted his career. Billy Dale Hughes Jr. has been charged with first-degree felony theft over $300,000 following a joint investigation between the Taylor Police Department and the Texas Rangers, says the City of . Date of Death: December 20, 2005. Until 1999, it was also administered by Death Row prisoners. I would gladly trade the last 24 years if it would bring back Mark Frederick--give him back his life, give back my father his life and my mother her health. Nah, nah, nah, nah Nah, nah, nah, nah Hey, hey, hey, Good-bye. There were "wisecracks" and jokes, even gallows humor. A petition for writ of certiorari is pending in the Supreme Court. Here in Texas. script and published cartoons illustrating animal rights and other causes. Learn about Death Records, including: How to search online for Death Records Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar, All for the death penalty stand up and holler! This theft occurred sometime during the second or third week of February. Executed January 24, 2000 by Lethal Injection in Texas 10th murderer executed in U.S. in 2000 608th murderer executed in U.S. since 1976 5th murderer executed in Texas in 2000 204th murderer executed in Texas since 1976 Since 1976 Date of Execution State Method Murderer (Race/Sex/Age at Murder-Execution) Date of Birth "It was truly disgusting," said Clements. 1976 shooting death of Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Mark Featured. If there had been cheerleaders, which there were, you can bet he wasn't surprised. Hughes left Louisiana for Texas, staying in Beaumont, Texas, on the night of April 2, 1976. I immediately confronted him asking how could he be part of this execution. ABOLISH Archives (Scripps Howard News Service) The court also denied permission to appeal. penalty, which I agree with," he said, adding that initially some of the would claim his innocence was hard to take. But Hughes, who was wanted for credit card theft when Frederick pulled him over, claimed he had merely returned fire when the officers shot at him as he reached for his wallet, and he managed to avoid his death sentence for 24 years by launching numerous appeals. Hughes then returned to Fair Hope and retrieved some clothing from a cleaners and attempted to fake his death at a local beach by leaving his shirt and pager. But that doesn't mean that the Governor's hands are clean. for the blind and even worked from his cell as a registered legislative The cheerleaders spelled out the letters as they called them: Gimme a "D" Gimme an "E" Gimme an "A" Gimme a "T" Gimme an "H" What's that spell? Upon hearing of the shooting, DPS Troopers Randall Baisch and Rodney Green were proceeding toward the scene when they discovered Hughes's abandoned car approximately three miles from the scene of the shooting. In June 1988, Hughes was retried for Mark Frederick's capital murder in the the 23rd District Court of Matagorda County, Texas. Hughes, who maintained his innocence until the end, was executed for the "Is this what George Bush wants?" Hughes then fled the scene. anti-death penalty personalities, including representatives of the theft by credit card when Hughes stopped him. The jury took only 47 minutes to sentence Hughes to death. If I am paying my debt to society, I am due a rebate and a refund. Although younger than me by a few years, Billy was an "old timer" on death row when I arrived there in 1978. Frederick on Interstate 10 in Sealy as Frederick walked toward Hughes' New restrictions have made it impossible for the LHP to continue to be governed by prisoners. He. True enough, as Mr. Buckley huffed, Gov. Trooper Jack Reichert got out of the patrol car almost immediately after Frederick did. In the years since the murder, Teer noted, Hughes has twice been tried and sentenced to die. We were next to each other in small glassed-in rooms facing Billy as the curtain opened. Walker County District Attorney David Weeks, who was the prosecuting Pardons are for wimps! Texas," said a statement jointly released by groups for and against the death penalty supporters seemed to join the stunt before realizing it was If you don't agree with us, we'll kill you too. In pigtails, letter sweaters and red-pleated skirts, the fresh-faced drill team chanted, "We are Texas" and "Go, George, Go." Beyond that, it was business as usual at the Walls Unit. Hughes left behind some papers in Kenner, Louisiana, which detailed plans to continue the traveler's check scam, to rob a small-town bank, and to set up apartments in New Orleans, Daytona Beach, and Atlanta, and rob banks in the various cities. Hughes left Chattanooga for a small town to the northwest, where he burglarized a car and stole a 9 millimeter automatic in a holster, a .45 pistol in a holster, a .300 Magnum rifle with a scope, a .30 caliber carbine, .38 caliber shells, and an empty holster. While in Beaumont, he used Martin's credit card to check into the Castle Motel. "I want to tell you all how much I love you all, how much I appreciate everything. No one recognized Martel or his gonzo journalism as trademarks of Michael Moore's popular, populist and political television show, The Awful Truth. The implications are obvious. Trooper Reichert then called for assistance and tended to Trooper Frederick; however, Reichert could find no pulse. Until 1999, it was also administered by Death Row prisoners. Rounds finally stated that Hughes' criminal acts escalated during the time she knew him and that she felt Hughes would continue to commit violent criminal acts. happened. Billy Fuccillo's cause of death was related to his health problems. Billy continued his control. If I am paying This theft occurred sometime during the second or third week of February. can now rest in peace and our nightmares will end knowing that Billy equally large group of uniformed anti-death penalty cheerleaders chanting Billie Keith Hughes (April 4, 1948 - July 3, 1998) was an American recording artist, songwriter, musician, and record producer. Go, Texas Go!" Birthday: November 28, 1948. who actually witnessed the execution on Hughes' behalf. There was little in common between the 2 distinct groups gathered that was extraordinary. On September 16, 1976, a jury found Hughes guilty of capital murder. George, George, he's our man, If he can't kill 'em, no one can, Who's the best on the killing scene? Billy Fuccillo's Cause of Death, Long Illness Related. It meant having his picture taken with "free world" friends with a partial glass and screen partition separating me from Billy. During his investigation, Agent Owens also learned that Hughes had previously threatened to kill a young child and had frequently beat his wife when she complained of his criminal conduct. Hughes, who maintained his innocence until the end, was executed for the Tears are often shed in the emotional catharsis of ritualized confrontation. Hughes then decided to head back to Pensacola, but he first bought gas and food with another worthless check. He was only 57 years young. George Bush, he's a killing machine! penalty opponent and an equally passionate defender of victims' rights "It shouldn't have been this way," Atwood said, shaking his head. "There must be a prescription somewhere that is signed by a doctor. The North Carolina Death Records Search links below open in a new window and take you to third party websites that provide access to NC public records. In prison, he has operated his own business, Happy Horse Enterprises. He never denied it, but at 27, explained in an interview that he was a different person than the embittered and confused youngster he had been. largest tenures on death row. "They are executing an innocent man because things did not happen as they These death row cheerleaders aren't on our side after all. We were so moved by his final words that I mistakenly thought the warden was too when he removed his glasses. penalty opponent and an equally passionate defender of victims' rights killed Frederick. "To get us on the same page, you know it had to Warden." Donations can be made in her name, Nancy L. Hughes, to Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital. While I went from sobbing to anger, Billy winked at us. Sharp put his hand on Atwood's shoulder and said, "Anti-death-penalty and pro-death-penalty strongly believe in what they're doing, and that doesn't include disrespecting the other side."
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