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. "I'll be happy not to hear any more lies," she added. W / M / 24 - 47 penalty, which I agree with," he said, adding that initially some of the was punished to the full extent of the law after having one of the Hughes then left Nashville and headed for Montgomery, Alabama. It was over in 15 minutes! they had a lighted scoreboard counting the number of executions. "They were doing synchronized "He's a very manipulative individual and to claim that he was innocent In June 1988, Hughes was retried for Mark Frederick's capital murder in the the 23rd District Court of Matagorda County, Texas. trying to portray those there to support the officer's family as drunken "They're not here all the time?" 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: 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. This attitude of accommodation continued as the witnesses gathered at 5:30 to wait for the signal to enter the death chamber. "If there was a positive out of this, for the first time ever the 2 I would especially like to remember Billy Hughes, Jr. in this issue. These can include Miami-Dade County death certificates, local and Florida State death registries, and the National Death Index. Hughes' second conviction and sentence were automatically appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. "We did perform a stunt there, with a pep band and cheerleaders," If I am paying the officers shot at him, leading him to fire one shot which struck and Patsy Teer, the mother of the man he killed, wants to end it. As they approached he asked them to help him, but he died before he could say anything more. Billy stayed for another 19 years until death set him free. They believe that overseeing (even through mission) the highest number of executions and amassing the most money in any presidential race in U.S. is so impressive to the rest of us that life as these self-styled compassionate conservatives know it will go on, relatively undisturbed and forever unchallenged -- I then asked about the role of the physician in the execution. This theft occurred sometime during the second or third week of February. The staff replied in kind, "Billy if you get a stay, we'll let you drive back!" - 20 December 2005) (his death) (1 child) Pat Robertson and thousands of others around the world -- and his mockery of her plea for mercy in a later magazine interview -- leaves more than his hands dirty. But, most of all, "partying" was a lot of laughs. They have the routine down pat: There were seven executions in just over two weeks last month; there have been 119 since George W. took office. FACTS OF THE CRIME bid for president by attacking his stance on capital punishment. Dead wrong. His other films included Stakeout, Five Card Stud, and Smoke in the Wind. While the cop killer "abused the system," he also became a college graduate (with two degrees in religion), a paralegal, an anti-death-penalty lobbyist, a well-known cartoonist and, at least according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a humanitarian. MEDIA ADVISORY: BILLY GEORGE HUGHES SCHEDULED TO BE EXECUTED. As the antis struggled to maintain their circle vigil, the pros turned into fans at a football game. A small puncture wound was found in his back; the weapon had punctured his lung and caused his death. Trooper Frederick exited the police car and walked up to the driver's side door of Hughes's car. In a place where affiliations are always clearly delineated, this was as infuriating as the cheerleaders themselves. I want the guys to know out there not to give up, After the morning visit, Billy was transported from death row at the Ellis Unit to the Walls Unit in Huntsville where the execution would take place. On June 9, 1988, a jury found Hughes guilty of the charged capital offense. Trooper Mark Frederick was later declared dead in the ambulance en route to the Sealy Medical Center. As his mother described it, "He was blown all over the road." George W. Bush's "I can't but be outraged, stressed to think that as a state, we probably have more executions than any country in the world, with the obvious exception of the United States and China," lamented Jay Jacobson, director of the Texas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, a steadfast opponent of the death penalty. Rounds also corroborated Agent Owens's version of Hughes's extortion attempts, and she described Hughes as a methodical, deliberate person. Inside the unit, when asked if he had any last words, 47-year-old Hughes, 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. 608 If there had been cheerleaders, which there were, you can bet he wasn't surprised. Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the LHP. State Hughes' second conviction and sentence were automatically appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. 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. wearing a helmet. I would especially like to remember Billy Hughes, Jr. in this issue. Billy, however, joked with everybody including his keepers. PRIOR CRIMINAL HISTORY at that point.". But that doesn't mean that the Governor's hands are clean. Frederick's mother, Pat Teer of Houston, said the fact that Hughes still "I bet you have Monica Lewinsky sex!" Mr. Buckley says he believes that Governor Bush's curt response to questions concerning capital punishment (''That is the law!") Hughes was convicted of the crime in September 1976, but the Texas Court Finally, and I know most would not agree, Texas will one day be in the forefront of death penalty abolition. "Stand Up and Holler; A Huntsville execution draws a strange crowd," by Lauren Kern. He had hanged himself in his log cabin home in Davidson County, Tennessee. I treasure every Today, as I reflect on this almost six weeks ago, what comes through to me is that yes, I will never be the same after this execution. Warden.". In April 1976, a grand jury in Austin County, Texas, indicted Hughes for the capital murder of Mark A. Frederick, a peace officer acting in the lawful discharge of an official duty. Killing power! Hughes then decided to head back to Pensacola, but he first bought gas and food with another worthless check. Then, just after Hughes was executed, pompon waving cheerleaders and Every one ofthose countries which have ended their "danse macabre" with capital punishment now experience far less violence and fewer murders than does the U.S. police officers soon began, with Hughes being found near Sealy about 2 When Officer Frederick approached the car, he was shot dead by the driver, who sped away. 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. Billy Hughes (November 28, 1948 - December 20, 2005) (Billy Eugene Hughes, Jr.) was an American actor best known for various television and film roles he played during the 1960s. car to question him about a stolen credit card. Frederick and his wife, Jane, had a small child, Denise, and were expecting another. In June 1988, Hughes was retried for Mark Frederick's capital murder in the the 23rd District Court of Matagorda County, Texas. We've got power. Hamilton said he "couldn't speculate" on why the antics were disavowed by As the antis struggled to maintain their circle vigil, the pros turned into fans at a football game. I want the guys to know out there not to give up, not to give in, that I hope someday the madness in the system--something will come about, something will be resolved. Kill 'em to the right. Billy Hughes #556 was executed January 24th in Huntsville. For example, this chaplain had been present in over 100 executions. 09-16-7606-09-88 In pigtails, letter sweaters and red-pleated skirts, the fresh-faced drill team chanted, "We are Texas" and "Go, George, Go." Their cheers soon petered out, however, silenced by a kind of dazed consternation close on the heels of the realization that somebody was being duped, as a scantily clad troupe of hired cheerleaders accompanying the band began to chant: "Bush, Bush, he's our man, If he can't kill 'em, no one can!" It was a moment neither could have predicted - a committed Texas death cheers, and there was some guy without a shirt on, painted blue and New restrictions have made it impossible for the LHP to continue to be governed by prisoners. They were already standing, but they sure hollered. Hughes then went to Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Nashville. phrases such as, "We Kill Convicts, Yes We Do.". An abandoned car with matching description was found several miles away. Death! Teer thanked several people before adding, "I hope and pray that no other Frederick had sustained a fatal wound. He was also a longtime friend of Hughes's, even receiving a posthumous, and postage-due, letter from the inmate expressing his love, admiration and gratitude as he headed for his "final sunset." But George W. Bush, Jr. deserves all the credit he's due for his eager, cynical promotion of capital punishment. He was the only child of Welsh immigrants to London. Hughes's ex-wife, Beth Rounds, related that Hughes was a violent husband who hit, slapped, punched, and choked her. There was an orientation for witnesses at 3 PM. While I went from sobbing to anger, Billy winked at us. The amorality of the death penalty has long been recognized for what it is throughout Europe and much of the rest of the world. family has to go through what we have been through. seeking justice, living our worst nightmares over and over and over. Bush's hand isn't "on the needle every time an execution occurs." Following a punishment hearing, Hughes was sentenced to death. deathrow.at death penalty after the Hughes execution Monday. Billy will be missed by us all. I want the guys to know out there not to give up, 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. The suspect, Hughes, at first pointed a pistol at the helicopter, but then threw the gun down and surrendered. Although younger than me by a few years, Billy was an "old timer" on death row when I arrived there in 1978. "This was very disrespectful to the family. family has to go through what we have been through. 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. His presence Pardons are for wimps! Tears are often shed in the emotional catharsis of ritualized confrontation. were inappropriate. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1976 that it was all right for states to resume capital punishment. Additionally, Hughes had a 9 millimeter handgun loaded with thirteen or fourteen rounds on him when he was captured. Trooper Reichert got out of the patrol car almost immediately after Frederick did. Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the LHP. He offered cans of ginger ale, passed out foam fingers and praised George W. Bush. (1995) - FOR 19 years, Billy Hughes Jr. has called Texas' death row home. "I don't know anything about that," he answered maintaining his ministerial composure. There also were several people dressed as cheerleaders leading chants He comes in only to pronounce death." They believe the sentence is ineffective and immoral, that Texas, with its death row population in excess of 400 , is running a death mill. Billy Dale Hughes Jr. has been charged with first-degree felony theft over $300,000 following a joint investigation between the Taylor Police Department and the Texas Rangers, says the City of . Summary: Undoubtedly, Billy Hughes was an exceptional human being. ". Jay Martel wandered through the pro-death-penalty crowd outside the Huntsville prison on the night of January 24 without arousing suspicion. was 'true to his manipulative character.' This chaplain pointedly said, "the doctor is in the next room, not in the execution chamber. "I don't know anything about that," he answered maintaining his ministerial composure. He then left Orlando for Daytona Beach, where he was robbed after leaving a nightclub. script and published cartoons illustrating animal rights and other causes. Mark, justice has Thank you, Warden." ", Clements said that members of a production company that filmed the Here in Texas. 04-04-76 "I want to tell you all how much I love you all, how much I appreciate everything. His writing has been published in a large number of periodicals and journals for the past twenty years. The doctor came in and pronounced him dead. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Parker Hughes, who died in 1998 at the . the most vulgar thing you have ever seen. But, the prison staff and Billy, I think, knew this execution was going to happen that evening. What provoked Dianne Clements of Justice For All in Houston, a victims' They grinned, cheered and waved their foam fingers. humor." Throughout Texas history, there seems to come a time when the people including their public officials have had "enough" and rise up. My conscience required me to." Florida oranges, Texas cactus We kill convicts just for practice! From his cell at the Ellis Unit north of Huntsville, the baby-faced killer from Montgomery, Ala., has drawn and marketed greeting cards, launched a series of appeals, argued against the death penalty as a registered lobbyist and charmed the media. death penalty supporters seemed to join the stunt before realizing it was Hughes left behind some papers in Kenner, Louisiana, which detailed plans to continue the traveler's check scam, to rob a small-town bank, and to set up apartments in New Orleans, Daytona Beach, and Atlanta, and rob banks in the various cities. "Do you wait 10 years to send a robber to prison?" Billie Keith Hughes (April 4, 1948 - July 3, 1998) was an American recording artist, songwriter, musician, and record producer. on. "I love you all and my family. Chants are shouted and exchanged. "This is what our show is, dark satire. -- supported by Pope John Paul II, the Rev. CURE began in San Antonio, Texas, in 1972, expanded statewide in 1975 and nationally in 1985. "After 24 long years, this family has spent vacation time and funds On the other side is an army of capital punishment opponents arguing that the state is getting carried away . We were so moved by his final words that I mistakenly thought the warden was too when he removed his glasses. A contributing editor to The Other Side magazine, Brasfield is an advisor to the Board of the Texas Coalition Against the Death Penalty and Assistant Executive Director of The Lamp of Hope Project. His nsensitivity towards Karla Faye Tucker's petition for clemency Truth" denied any deception in filming the event. But Atwood said he was ultimately saddened by the pain the event could In this issue I would like to remember all who have served this organization and given of their time and energy. Following a punishment hearing, Hughes was sentenced to death. Hughes returned to Nashville, Tennessee, where his car was broken into and two .45's were stolen. was subsequently murdered," she said. "Tonight, Billy George Hughes Jr. The shocking incidents occurred in ten months between . Texas," said a statement jointly released by groups for and against the I am not the same "What if after examination the doctor detects a heartbeat?" 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? A check of Hughes's car revealed that it had been reported stolen. Approaching the Ford behind Frederick, Reichert heard a muffled shot and observed Frederick grunt and lurch to the side. Even the news media -- well, those outlets that didn't miss the demonstration for days by relying on the AP feed -- didn't know where to put the blame or the credit. Mark True enough, as Mr. Buckley huffed, Gov. the most vulgar thing you have ever seen." The jury took only 47 minutes to sentence Hughes to death. June 28, 2000 / 4:39 PM / CBS. several musicians marched down the street between the groups. he asked, pushing the limits of playing dumb. putting Texas and George W. Bush under the spotlight on the death penalty 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. Hughes was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m., 8 minutes after a lethal Hughes's conviction was automatically appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and was affirmed in a published opinion. everything," he said. The jury took only 47 minutes to sentence Hughes to death. George, George, he's our man, If he can't kill 'em, no one can, Who's the best on the killing scene? The Bushes and the Buckleys and folks like them ignore the obvious. anti-death penalty personalities, including representatives of the They have been manipulated by the politicians who have set up this "death machine" that seems to be functioning on automatic pilot. approached Hughes car. Rounds finally stated that Hughes' criminal acts escalated during the time she knew him and that she felt Hughes would continue to commit violent criminal acts. They believe that overseeing (even through mission) the highest number of executions and amassing the most money in any presidential race in U.S. is so impressive to the rest of us that life as these self-styled compassionate conservatives know it will go on, relatively undisturbed and forever unchallenged -- would claim his innocence was hard to take. Hughes stayed in Jacksonville for a few days during which time he cashed a few more stolen checks and inquired into buying some more guns. On Christmas Day, Billy was found dead. filming an 'anti-Bush' commercial aimed at impeding Gov. Trooper Frederick's aorta and heart were struck, resulting in internal hemorrhaging, shock, and then death. "I'll be happy not to hear any more lies," she added. The clerk then left Hughes's room to notify the motel security guard of the problem. Another officer tapped him on the shoulder to make certain his commissary account would be entirely erased. As soon as Ranger Scholton pointed his gun out the helicopter at Hughes, Hughes dropped his weapon and was taken into custody. Walker County District Attorney David Weeks, who was the prosecuting Death Records are kept by Vital Records Offices or Miami-Dade County Clerk's Offices, which may be run by the state or at the local level. He was a role model that anyone could aspire to emulate. ", Witnesses said that prior to Hughes' execution, groups with opposing . I wonder what the doctor writes down as the purpose of this prescription." think it is likely that is how the family felt about it." Juniors Bush and Buckley are made uncomfortable when the machinery which maintains the minutiae of state sanctioned murder slips a cog and allows the rest of the world a glimpse of the human suffering that touches everyoneassociated in the ritualized revenge that capital murder extracts. Their cheers soon petered out, however, silenced by a kind of dazed consternation close on the heels of the realization that somebody was being duped, as a scantily clad troupe of hired cheerleaders accompanying the band began to chant: "Bush, Bush, he's our man, If he can't kill 'em, no one can!" 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. "Is this what George Bush wants?" His hands were tied open with ace bandages to make certain they wouldn't become distorted when he died. They were handing out anti-George W. Bush signs and The case was tried on a change of venue in Matagorda County, Texas, and Hughes entered a plea of "not guilty." Billy, however, joked with everybody including his keepers. were a family member of the officer I would have felt terrible, and I Thank you for visiting DeathrecordsByName.org, an acknowledged and trusted online death records data provider, which will enable you to use a network of various information databases to assist you find Death Records. The family of Alan Nicholls have spoken for the first time about how he. William F. Buckley would not agree. outside the unit. Trooper Frederick's aorta and heart were struck, resulting in internal hemorrhaging, shock, and then death. lobbyist. On March 18, 1987, however, the Court of Criminal Appeals granted Hughes's application for state post-conviction relief and reversed his conviction because a prospective juror had been improperly excluded. The death penalty brings out the worst sentiments of society and does nothing for victims. 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: killed Frederick. unsuccessful appeals that ended with the U.S. Supreme Court rejecting murder victim, his family, and for the family of Billy George Hughes, the CURE began in San Antonio, Texas, in 1972, expanded statewide in 1975 and nationally in 1985. ) "I guess I should expect it but I didn't expect that Mr. Hughes would go The law, being the law, and being so rigorously applied in Texas somehow qualifies Governor Bush as being competent, desirable, admirable and, damn it man, tough enough to become King of the Hill in Washington come November, even if he was never a POW -- even in Midland, Texas where everyone does hard time. They deny the self evident, mesmerized, perhaps, by their mutual admiration, their incestuous and cannibalistic self-promotion. The cheerleaders were rocking out with all the intensity of a step club, but the witnesses had just emerged from the watching area, and both those for and against the death penalty turned to show their support. car on April 4, 1976. Hughes was indicted for extortion and pled guilty, receiving probation. not to give in, that I hope someday the madness in the system - something Method Hughes then fled the scene. Billy Hughes (actor) Wikipedia George, George, he's our man, If he can't kill 'em, no one can, Who's the best on the killing scene? Bush's hand isn't "on the needle every time an execution occurs." Department of Public Safety officers, while the other was an almost That performance was set up by a production company working with satirist Juniors Bush and Buckley are made uncomfortable when the machinery which maintains the minutiae of state sanctioned murder slips a cog and allows the rest of the world a glimpse of the human suffering that touches everyoneassociated in the ritualized revenge that capital murder extracts. My conscience required me to." have caused family members on both sides. largest tenures on death row. Jack Buetel, the star of Howard Hughes' steamy "The Outlaw," has died in a Portland, Ore., hospital, Daily Variety reported Thursday. Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants, or CURE organization, I know if I Billy Fuccillo's Cause of Death, Long Illness Related. His father subsequently sent him to be raised by relatives in Wales. We've got power. Don't give up, don't give in. "They are executing an innocent man because things did not happen as they largest tenures on death row. Houston Chronicle He's a killing machine! my debt to society, I am due a rebate and a refund, but I love you all, On September 16, 1976, a jury found Hughes guilty of capital murder. rights group, and David Atwood of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the He had some health problems over the years in his adult life and died unexpectedly in his sleep while visiting relatives. His nsensitivity towards Karla Faye Tucker's petition for clemency they shouted at him from both sides. of Criminal Appeals later ruled that a juror had been excluded improperly As he approached the vehicle, Hughes -- wanted for theft by credit card -- opened fire. The show that has invited an HMO to a funeral, put a 24-hour Web cam on Lucianne Goldberg and earned a restraining order from the CEO of the biggest polluter in America this time recruited some like-minded actors/activists from Houston's maverick theater company Infernal Bridegroom Productions and descended on Huntsville. Billy half in jest whispered to us, "How will I buy a soft drink when I get back to death row?" "This was very disrespectful to the family. 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. humor.". Death Records Search. revelers. If you don't agree with us, we'll kill you too. But Atwood said he was ultimately saddened by the pain the event could The death penalty is many times more expensive to taxpayers than the cost of a life sentence. On the evening of April 4, 1976, two Texas state troopers pulled over the 1975 Ford LTD Billy George Hughes was driving on Interstate 10 near Sealy, Texas. Glen McGinnis who was executed the next evening after Billy was only 17 when he committed the murder. "WHILE THE BAND PLAYS ON," by Philip Brasfield. Glen McGinnis who was executed the next evening after Billy was only 17 when he committed the murder. I left death row in 1981. It was 01-24-00 tonight was just a final chapter in showing what a manipulative human But, I love you all, and you all watch out for Mom and you all keep up, keep going. In the seventies and eighties, I walked the halls of the State Capitol and talked "face-to-face" with conservative as well as liberal legislators on prison reform and the death penalty. "That has never happened," the chaplain kindly informed me. "All I ask is that I have one day, and I know if I Hughes will not take another life. I would gladly trade the last 24 years if it would bring back Mark Frederick--give him back his life, give back my father his life and my mother her health. Hamilton said he "couldn't speculate" on why the antics were disavowed by Generally, they peacefully coexist like this until the witnesses emerge from the execution, indicating that everyone can go home. The death penalty brings out the worst sentiments of society and does nothing for victims. attorney at Hughes' 2nd trial, also felt Hughes' claims of innocence While unexpected and downright surreal, I think that marching bands and cheerleaders are just what are needed at Texas The murder conviction and death sentence were reversed on appeal due to a jury selection error. Date ofSentence William F. Buckley never met Billy Hughes. Hughes claimed he was reaching for his wallet when While many DPS officers were on hand for the execution, so were several Donations can be made in her name, Nancy L. Hughes, to Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital. Who would have thought it would have taken 24 years to get to this moment? (In all fairness, Jeb has only one execution to his credit. Hamilton said. I followed-up with "perhaps you cannot advocate for abolition of the death penalty now, but one day in the future you can speak out." At that time 25 years old, Hughes had served time Hughes then drove to Pensacola, Florida, where he passed a worthless one hundred fifty dollar check. for various offenses in his home state of Alabama and was wanted for If there had been cheerleaders, which there were, you can bet he wasn't surprised. A .9mm handgun taken from Hughes was determined to be the murder weapon. Hughes also claimed to have kidnapped two small children. Although we never even saw each other, there were two groups of witnesses: those asked by Billy and those asked by the immediate relatives of the victim. Trooper Reichert got out of the patrol car almost immediately after Frederick did. Executed January 24, 2000 by Lethal Injection in Texas simply, "Yes I do," and then began his statement. Jay Martel wandered through the pro-death-penalty crowd outside the Huntsville prison on the night of January 24 without arousing suspicion. Hughes filed a notice of appeal on February 11, 1998, but the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on October 5, 1999, also denied permission to appeal. ). All of this is as obvious as the fallacy of "an eye for an eye" justification for capital punishment, which leaves the whole world No one recognized Martel or his gonzo journalism as trademarks of Michael Moore's popular, populist and political television show, The Awful Truth. Billy's death was ruled a suicide. 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. I love you all and my family. Atwood said that despite the methods of the film crew, "I am all for they shouted at him from both sides. The Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty stood at the right end of the same yellow tape, forming a circle and singing "We Shall Overcome." He comes in only to pronounce death." all the memories of you and my family and all the things that have "I guess I should expect it but I didn't expect that Mr. Hughes would go Thank you, Warden." 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.