Cedric Ricks Executed in Texas for Double Homicide
Cedric Ricks was executed by lethal injection on March 11, 2026, in Huntsville, Texas, for the brutal murders of his girlfriend, Roxann Sanchez, and her eight-year-old son, Anthony Figueroa. Ricks, aged 51, was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m. CDT, marking a significant moment in a case that has drawn considerable public attention.
Ricks was convicted of fatally stabbing Sanchez and her son on May 1, 2013. The attack was particularly violent, with reports indicating that Marcus Figueroa, Sanchez’s 12-year-old son, survived by pretending to be dead after being stabbed 25 times. This horrific incident left a lasting impact on the community and raised questions about domestic violence and its consequences.
During his execution, Ricks expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I want to say that I’m sorry for taking Roxann and Anthony from y’all.” He specifically addressed Marcus Figueroa, saying, “I always thought about you and I’m sorry that I took your mom and your brother away.” His last words included a plea for peace for the victims’ family, reflecting a complex mix of regret and the gravity of his crimes.
Ricks’s execution was the second in Texas for the year 2026 and the sixth in the United States overall. His case had previously garnered attention due to claims from his attorneys that jurors were eliminated based on race, a matter that the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in. This aspect of the case highlights ongoing discussions about racial bias in the judicial system.
Prior to the murders, Ricks had a documented history of violence, including previous assault charges against Sanchez. This background has led to broader conversations about the warning signs of domestic violence and the failures of the system to protect victims. Ricks had a nine-month-old son with Sanchez, who was unharmed during the attack, adding another layer of tragedy to the case.
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 have had to endure the aftermath of this violent crime for over a decade.
As the legal proceedings surrounding Ricks’s case concluded with his execution, it has prompted discussions about the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent for violent crime. The case remains a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the complexities of the legal system in addressing such issues.
