An inmate sentenced to death for the murder of a real estate agent was executed in Texas on Wednesday (Aug. 17), authorities said, in the state’s second execution this year.
Kosoul Chanthakoummane, 41, was found guilty of murdering Sarah Walker, 40, who was beaten and stabbed to death in a model home in 2006. Although his DNA was found under the victim’s fingernails and despite testimony linking him to the crime scene, Mr Chanthakoummane has always maintained his innocence.
Three more executions are planned this year
“To Sarah Walker’s family, I hope my death brings you peace,” were her last words, according to Texas authorities.
Mr Chanthakoummane had tried to appeal his conviction several times, arguing that the evidence linking him to the crimes was unscientific, but an appeals court ruled that was sufficient for the execution.
Texas, the largest conservative state in the South that executes the most inmates in the United States, executed three prisoners in 2021 and three more executions are planned this year, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website.
Also Read: In the United States, Texas Executed Its Oldest Death Row Inmate