Charles Victor Thompson
Charles Victor Thompson, 55, was put to death by lethal injection at the state prison in Huntsville, Texas, on January 28, 2026, the first execution in the United States that year. In his final statement he apologized, asked the families of the people he had harmed for forgiveness, and said he loved his children and urged them to get to know the Lord. His father, Stephen Thompson, was among the witnesses. His attorneys argued in court that key evidence in his case was flawed and that the victim's death resulted from later medical care rather than the gunshot, a claim prosecutors said a jury had already rejected. The U.S. Supreme Court turned down his last appeal without explanation shortly before the execution, and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles had denied his request for clemency.
Cause of death, as reported: Executed by the state. Attorneys argued in court that the victim's death resulted from later medical care rather than the gunshot, a claim prosecutors said a jury had already rejected.
Reported by: Texas Department of Criminal Justice (the agency that held him); Associated Press (reporters); his attorneys.
News reports (8)
- Executed Inmates
- Texas man Charles Victor Thompson convicted of 2 fatal shootings becomes the 1st person executed in the US this year
- Tomball's Charles Victor Thompson executed in Huntsville in 1998 double killings
- After nearly 30 years on death row, Texas executes Harris County man for 1998 double murder
- Charles Thompson Executed 28 Years After Harris County Murders
- Houston-area man convicted of 2 fatal shootings becomes 1st person executed in U.S. this year
- Charles Victor Thompson Becomes First U.S. Inmate to Be Executed in 2026
- 10 most recent executions in Texas: What to know about the inmates