Execution Carried Out After Perry Denies Clemency

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) _ Texas inmate Robert Lee Thompson has been executed for his part in a fatal Houston store holdup after Gov. Rick Perry rejected a parole board’s recommendation to spare Thompson because he wasn’t the gunman.

Thompson, 34, was an accomplice to triggerman Sammy Butler when 29-year-old store clerk Mansoor Bhai Rahim Mohammed was
gunned down 13 years ago.

Butler received life in prison. A jury gave Thompson death.

Thompson’s lawyer told the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles Thompson’s punishment under the Texas law of parties wasn’t fair and the panel voted 5-2 Wednesday to recommend his sentence be commuted to life.

Perry didn’t have to follow their recommendation.

The execution was carried out Thursday evening less than an hour after Perry refused to go along with the panel’s endorsement.

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