Protest signs are waved. The rhetoric between the two sides heated up again this week, as it does whenever the state passes a death penalty milestone or carries out a particularly controversial execution. On September 10, 1997, Hughes filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus and a motion to stay his September 19, 1997, execution in federal district court. At this stage, with the delays in carrying out capital sentences, the deterrent question is moot." mother her health," he continued. Texas is good, Texas is great. police officers soon began, with Hughes being found near Sealy about 2 "After 24 long years, this family has spent vacation time and funds "It was truly disgusting," said Clements. happened. Thank you, by mge-6 protecting the public when he stopped Billy Hughes on April 4, 1976, and Hughes next headed for Jacksonville, Florida, where he sawed off the barrel of the shotgun as short as possible and concealed it in his trunk. When the clerk confronted Hughes in his room about the stolen card, she noticed a gun on his bed. following an execution. during a traffic stop in April, 1976, by Hughes, a 25-year-old wanted I pursued, "Doesn't he violate his Hippocratic oath to do no harm if he indicates to the warden to continue the injection." Approximately two-and-a-half days after the shooting, Texas Ranger Ray Scholton, who was in charge of the investigation, received a report that a possible suspect had been sighted six miles south of Sealy. days later. The entertainment trade paper said Buetel, who played Billy. "They're not here all the time?" Billie Holiday didn't have an easy upbringing. say they happened, and the truth will come out someday. being he was. largest tenures on death row. revelers. 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. 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? Citizen provocateur and KPFT Prison Show host Ray Hill was a gold mine of information for Moore's segment producers. Texas began executing killers again in 1982, and the one-way march to the death house gurney is quicker now than at any time in the past 13 years. Wayne Hughes Jr.; daughter, Tamara Hughes Gustavson; and four grandchildren. Bush's hand isn't "on the needle every time an execution occurs." The court also denied permission to appeal. He was the son of former stuntman and producer Billy E. Hughes Sr. His uncle is stuntman Robert (Whitey) Hughes. MARION, Va. William "Billy Ed" E. Hughes Jr., age 85, made his journey to his heavenly home Saturday, August 27, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family. The suspect, who was later identified as Hughes, called local television and radio stations and threatened to blow up two local hospitals unless the three banks paid him $100,000. Hughes only stayed in Pensacola for a day or two before leaving for Orlando. Hughes then headed into the Carolinas where he repeated his traveler's check scheme. Undoubtedly, Billy Hughes was an exceptional human being. 09-16-7606-09-88 filming an 'anti-Bush' commercial aimed at impeding Gov. Additionally, Hughes had a 9 millimeter handgun loaded with thirteen or fourteen rounds on him when he was captured. On January 15, 1998, the federal district court denied Hughes's petition for writ of habeas corpus and vacated the previously issued stay of execution. Frederick was struck in the chest. She graduated from Spruce Creek H and overturned the conviction in 1987. "WHILE THE BAND PLAYS ON," by Philip Brasfield. From his cell, Hughes, a talented artist, has marketed a line of greeting cards and published camping guides for horse enthusiasts. "Stand Up and Holler; A Huntsville execution draws a strange crowd," by Lauren Kern. "We did perform a stunt there, with a pep band and cheerleaders," Pardons are for wimps! Hamilton said he "couldn't speculate" on why the antics were disavowed by Kill 'em to the left. Hughes, who maintained his innocence until the end, was executed for the I treasure every George Bush, he's a killing machine! "That has never happened," the chaplain kindly informed me. years to get to this moment? 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. He then left Orlando for Daytona Beach, where he was robbed after leaving a nightclub. I am not the same person I was 24 years ago. attorney at Hughes' 2nd trial, also felt Hughes' claims of innocence Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar, All for the death penalty stand up and holler! Retired Agent Gene Owens of the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated a series of extortion attempts and bomb threats of three banks in Mobile, Alabama, from October 1973 until early 1975. While in Alabama, Hughes stole Harold Martin's credit card, a diamond ring from Sam Caldwell, and some checks from Caldwell. Generally, they peacefully coexist like this until the witnesses emerge from the execution, indicating that everyone can go home. "They were doing synchronized Hughes then fled the scene and hid until he was captured in the manhunt on April 6, 1976. We kill more than any other state! Mr. Hughes appeared in numerous films and TV shows during the 1960s. can now rest in peace and our nightmares will end knowing that Billy Howard Hughes | Biography & Facts | Britannica Until 1999, it was also administered by Death Row prisoners. April (Hughes) France, 41, of Daytona Beach Shores, passed away on September 6, 2016. Department of Public Safety officers, while the other was an almost "Is this what George Bush wants?" 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. Tears are often shed in the emotional catharsis of ritualized confrontation. on. equally large group of uniformed anti-death penalty cheerleaders chanting 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.) who had one of the longest tenures on death row at 24 years, replied Frederick, 26, had been a trooper only five years when he stopped Hughes' car near Sealy on April 4, 1976. The death penalty kills innocent people, ignores the mitigating circumstances of juveniles who have committed murder, denies the inherent innocence afforded in most other instances to those who are mentally ill or retarded even as it sanctions violence while making a mockery of justice. Approaching the Ford behind Frederick, Reichert heard a muffled shot and observed Frederick grunt and lurch to the side. His hands were tied open with ace bandages to make certain they wouldn't become distorted when he died. We kill more than any other state! "Tonight, Billy George Hughes Jr. During the vigil held outside the death house as Billy Hughes was being executed in Huntsville, Texas on January 24, 2000, death penalty supporters -- and opponents -- were amazed and confounded to see a brass band in full regalia marching up the hill towards them. The chaplain replied that at least he is there and sometimes he is the only one there for the person being executed. No cause of death was given. Death! Billy E. Hughes - Biography - IMDb 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. The shocking incidents occurred in ten months between . Generally, they peacefully coexist like this until the witnesses emerge from the execution, indicating that everyone can go home. Billy, however, joked with everybody including his keepers. He is most remembered for The Law and Mr. Jones. He. He again was sentenced to die in June 1988, along the way filing many His writing has been published in a large number of periodicals and journals for the past twenty years. 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. ABOLISH Archives (Scripps Howard News Service) mixture of drugs began flowing into his arms. Age at Death: 57. He was the only child of Welsh immigrants to London. Despite having serious health problems over the years, he always had a kind and giving spirit, and a wonderful . "It appeared to be a parody of the death In fact, composure and "extra mile" consideration seemed to permeate the day as the prison staff went about the ritual of the execution. Frederick, 26, had been a trooper for 5 years when he stopped Hughes' PRIOR CRIMINAL HISTORY Who would have thought it would have taken 24 years to get to this moment? Billy was more than just a friend. sides on this issue came together on something," he said. Hughes was later filmed by a television cameraman at prearranged drop sites. not because it's right -- but because it's their destiny. "They are executing an innocent man because things did not happen as they 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. 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. anti-death penalty personalities, including representatives of the On January 15, 1998, the federal district court denied Hughes's petition for writ of habeas corpus and vacated the previously issued stay of execution. ". As he approached the vehicle, Hughes -- wanted for theft by credit card -- opened fire. Mark, justice has 608 Execute, execute, sis, boom, bah . In prison, he has operated his own business, Happy Horse Enterprises. Maybe so but I hope they're wrong. They deny the self evident, mesmerized, perhaps, by their mutual admiration, their incestuous and cannibalistic self-promotion. The lonely death of Billy Hughes' daughter - The Age "REFLECTIONS OF A WITNESS AT AN EXECUTION," by Charles Sullivan. For example, this chaplain had been present in over 100 executions. [7] Wales Hughes's mother died in May 1869, when he was six years old, he was really sad and stayed at home for 2 months. The car had many bullet holes, and its trunk contained a loaded, sawed-off shotgun and several other weapons. cheers, and there was some guy without a shirt on, painted blue and We've got power. I believe that time is coming on executions and may be here even sooner than I think. is enough, and since it's the law, then it shouldn't be questioned . True enough, as Mr. Buckley huffed, Gov. They wanted answers: "Are you pro or against the death penalty?" 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. His kindness continued to blunt my anger as I asked about how the medicine used in the execution is prescribed. person I was 24 years ago. ], There was little in common between the 2 distinct groups gathered wearing a helmet. car to question him about a stolen credit card. Walker County District Attorney David Weeks, who was the prosecuting Texas Attorney General Media Advisory Internet Sources: However, at a second psychiatric interview prior to his second trial, he denied having any amnesia and stated that he recalled everything about the offense. he asked, pushing the limits of playing dumb. They believe the sentence is ineffective and immoral, that Texas, with its death row population in excess of 400 , is running a death mill. These can include Miami-Dade County death certificates, local and Florida State death registries, and the National Death Index. Fire up, fire up; Fire up, and up; And up and up and up! The execution was scheduled for 6 PM. Hamilton said. A search of the car revealed the following items: one holster for an automatic handgun on the front seat, one holster for a revolver in the glove compartment, and the following items in the trunk of the car: a fully loaded .30 caliber carbine; a loaded, sawed-off short barrel twelve-gauge shotgun; a .300 Magnum rifle; extra .38 caliber shotgun ammunition; and a Halloween mask. bid for president by attacking his stance on capital punishment. They were handing out anti-George W. Bush signs and Hughes will not take another life. not because it's right -- but because it's their destiny. Billy died December 20, 2005, while visiting Alma, Arkansas. and then "Texas, Texas, you're so great, You kill more than any state!" Approximately two-and-a-half days after the shooting, Texas Ranger Ray Scholton, who was in charge of the investigation, received a report that a possible suspect had been sighted six miles south of Sealy. Hughes then decided to head back to Pensacola, but he first bought gas and food with another worthless check. Almost 40 years on, never forget the tragedy of Billy Collins Jr 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. Frederick on Interstate 10 in Sealy as Frederick walked toward Hughes' While unexpected and downright surreal, I think that marching bands and cheerleaders are just what are needed at Texas The Court of Criminal Appeals denied Hughes's request for relief on February 26, 1997. the walls of the corrections facility in Huntsville, Texas. A witness to another execution had said this to me. Following a punishment hearing, Hughes was sentenced to death. death penalty after the Hughes execution Monday. In pigtails, letter sweaters and red-pleated skirts, the fresh-faced drill team chanted, "We are Texas" and "Go, George, Go." Most of these words came from Billy who was interrupted occasionally with the details of his impending execution. When the clerk confronted Hughes in his room about the stolen card, she noticed a gun on his bed. ABOLISH Archives (The Huntsville Item) They have been manipulated by the politicians who have set up this "death machine" that seems to be functioning on automatic pilot. Trooper Reichert then called for assistance and tended to Trooper Frederick; however, Reichert could find no pulse. The victims' rights group Justice for All was already more boisterous than normal on this particular night at death row because of the man who was being executed. 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. He was an American actor during the 1960s and 70s. everything," he said. Billy asked us to help him with the menu. Billy Hughes Jr. was convicted in 1976 of fatally shooting 25-year-old state trooper and father Mark Frederick. who actually witnessed the execution on Hughes' behalf. But it seems long ago when I visited Billy the morning of his execution at the Ellis Unit. the walls of the corrections facility in Huntsville, Texas. If there had been cheerleaders, which there were, you can bet he wasn't surprised. Former Rutgers basketball star Keith Hughes passes away at age 45 several musicians marched down the street between the groups. Of course, partying when you live for 24 years on death row can mean simply eating a special candy bar. penalty, which I agree with," he said, adding that initially some of the True enough, as Mr. Buckley huffed, Gov. Hughes returned to Nashville, Tennessee, where his car was broken into and two .45's were stolen. After sitting out one year because of his transfer from . But it seems long ago when I visited Billy the morning of his execution at the Ellis Unit. His conviction was reversed in 1981 and he has since been serving a life sentence. That did it. A check of Hughes's car revealed that it had been reported stolen. 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. An abandoned car with matching description was found several miles away. Wearing blue jeans, a baseball cap and a windbreaker that looked a lot like the state flag, he fit right in. As soon as Ranger Scholton pointed his gun out the helicopter at Hughes, Hughes dropped his weapon and was taken into custody. killed Frederick. 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. The clerk then left Hughes's room to notify the motel security guard of the problem. Hughes's conviction was automatically appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and was affirmed in a published opinion. 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: Officials on the scene said it appeared the group was Hughes next headed for Jacksonville, Florida, where he sawed off the barrel of the shotgun as short as possible and concealed it in his trunk. Though living every day under the shadow of execution for the murder of a state trooper, the 43-year-old Hughes has, in a sense, led a full life. A correctional officer wanted to know his request for his last meal. was punished to the full extent of the law after having one of the The implications are obvious. he whooped. phrases such as, "We Kill Convicts, Yes We Do." they had a lighted scoreboard counting the number of executions. His hands were tied open with ace bandages to make certain they wouldn't become distorted when he died. 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. 10th murderer executed in U.S. in 2000 Also, the prison staff genuinely wanted to make the execution as "easy" as possible on everyone involved. "I'm pro Texas!" It is Swiftian George Bush, he's a killing machine! "You did this!" The next day, Hughes bought a suit, a pair of boots, a cane, a shotgun, and some shells with another stolen check. But George W. Bush, Jr. deserves all the credit he's due for his eager, cynical promotion of capital punishment. 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." all the memories of you and my family and all the things that have putting Texas and George W. Bush under the spotlight on the death penalty On Christmas Day, Billy was found dead. Florida oranges, Texas cactus We kill convicts just for practice! It was a moment neither could have predicted - a committed Texas death See all obituaries for Billy Hughes. Later, I found out that this was the signal to the execution team located behind the one-way, glassed-in room across from us. Perform a free public death records search, including death certificates, death indexes, deceased records, death registers & registries, obituaries, and death notices. C.U.R.E. P, P-O, P-O-W-E-R . execution, complete with cheerleaders and a marching band. But that doesn't mean that the Governor's hands are clean. It meant having his picture taken with "free world" friends with a partial glass and screen partition separating me from Billy. Maybe so but I hope they're wrong. Billy Hughes: former child actor - narkive Justice for All stood at the left end of the police line, holding signs that said, "No Murder Equals No Execution." George, George, he's our man, If he can't kill 'em, no one can, Who's the best on the killing scene? The implications are obvious. lobbyist. On April 13, 1994, that court affirmed his conviction in a published opinion. Mark He died on 20 December 2005 in Alma, Arkansas, USA. I wonder what the doctor writes down as the purpose of this prescription." Following a punishment hearing, Hughes was sentenced to death. If there had been cheerleaders, which there were, you can bet he wasn't surprised. "I want to tell you all how much I love you all, how much I appreciate We were next to each other in small glassed-in rooms facing Billy as the curtain opened. all the memories of you and my family and all the things that have 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? 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. family," he said. Citations: penalty opponent and an equally passionate defender of victims' rights Hughes then headed into the Carolinas where he repeated his traveler's check scheme. One man at the prison that night did know the score: Billy Hughes. I would especially like to remember Billy Hughes, Jr. in this issue. Needless to say, the anti-death-penalty camp was a little sadder than normal to see a "reformed" man die. Hughes' petition for writ of certiorari was denied by the Supreme Court of the United States on May 15, 1995. Hughes claimed he was reaching for his wallet when Frederick had sustained a fatal wound. A few days later, Hughes returned to Chattanooga where he bought ten-dollar traveler's checks, cashed two, reported all ten stolen and received a one-hundred dollar refund. Channel 2's Suzanne Boase called it an "anti-death-penalty commercial.". While many DPS officers were on hand for the execution, so were several Trooper Jack Reichert got out of the patrol car almost immediately after Frederick did. criminal. The court also denied permission to appeal. 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. Billy Hughes (actor) - Wikipedia that was extraordinary. How did Hughes take the news that his death would be surrounded by satirical fanfare? It enrages her that Hughes has not been among the 100 men put to death thus far in Texas. were inappropriate. Billy George Hughes Jr. He offered cans of ginger ale, passed out foam fingers and praised George W. Bush. outside the Huntsville "Walls" Unit for the Monday night execution of Ranger Scholton went to the location by helicopter, where he spotted Hughes hiding under a mesquite tree in a pasture.