By Michael Graczyk
Associated Press
HUNTSVILLE — Convicted murderer Rodrigo Hernandez was executed Thursday night for the abduction, rape and strangulation of a 38-year-old woman in San Antonio 18 years ago.
The lethal injection was carried out about 2 ½ hours after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal to block the punishment. Hernandez, 38, told a chaplain as witnesses filed into the death chamber: “I’m ready. They better hurry up.” Moments later, when asked by the warden if he had a statement, Hernandez said: “We are all family, people of God almighty. We’re all good. I’m ready.” As the lethal drugs began taking effect, he said, “I’m gonna go to sleep. See you later. This stuff stinks, man.” He then blurted out “almighty” before slipping into unconsciousness.