Cedric Ricks Executed in Texas for Double Homicide
Cedric Ricks was executed by lethal injection on March 11, 2026, in Huntsville, Texas, for the brutal murders of his girlfriend, Roxann Sanchez, and her 8-year-old son, Anthony Figueroa. Ricks, aged 51, was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m. CDT, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discussions surrounding capital punishment in the United States.
The execution follows Ricks’s conviction for fatally stabbing Sanchez and Figueroa on May 1, 2013. During the attack, Sanchez’s 12-year-old son, Marcus Figueroa, survived by pretending to be dead, a harrowing detail that underscores the brutality of the crime. Ricks’s actions left a profound impact on the surviving family members and the community.
In the years leading up to his execution, Ricks had a documented history of violence, including previous assault charges against Sanchez. His case drew attention not only for the nature of the crimes but also for the legal proceedings that followed. Ricks’s attorneys argued that jurors were eliminated based on race, but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene, allowing the conviction to stand.
Ricks’s execution was the second in Texas in 2026 and the sixth in the United States for the year. The Texas Attorney General’s Office described the events surrounding the case as “a nightmarish episode of brutality,” reflecting the severity of the crimes committed. Ricks’s execution was witnessed by seven family members of the victims, highlighting the ongoing pain and trauma experienced by those affected.
During his final moments, Ricks expressed remorse, stating, “I want to say that I’m sorry for taking Roxann and Anthony from y’all.” He specifically addressed Marcus Figueroa, saying, “I always thought about you and I’m sorry that I took your mom and your brother away.” These words resonate with the complexity of emotions surrounding executions, where the line between justice and forgiveness often blurs.
Ricks had a 9-month-old son with Sanchez, who was unharmed during the attack, adding another layer of tragedy to the case. The implications of this crime extend beyond the immediate victims, affecting families and communities in profound ways.
As the legal and moral debates surrounding capital punishment continue, Ricks’s case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and the lasting impact on victims’ families. The reactions to his execution have been mixed, with some advocating for justice and others questioning the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime.