Cedric Allen Ricks, 51, was executed by lethal injection in Texas on March 11, 2026, after spending 12 harrowing years on death row. Convicted for the brutal murders of his girlfriend Roxan Sanchez and her young son Anthony Figureroa, Ricks’ execution marks a chilling conclusion to a gruesome case that shocked the community.
Ricks’ violent crime spree unfolded on May 1, 2013, in Bedford, Texas, where an argument escalated into a horrific attack. Armed with a knife, Ricks fatally stabbed Roxan and her eight-year-old son Anthony, while her twelve-year-old son Marcus narrowly escaped death by pretending to be dead.
The trial that followed was a harrowing πΆπ»π»πΆπΎπ, with Marcus bravely testifying against Ricks. His detailed account of the night his family was shattered left jurors in shock. Ricks claimed self-defense, but the jury found him guilty of capital murder in less than an hour.
Following his conviction, Ricks was sentenced to death on May 16, 2014. Over the next twelve years, he exhausted numerous appeals, including claims of ineffective counsel and racial bias in jury selection. Each appeal was denied, culminating in a final emergency request to the Supreme Court just hours before his execution, which was also denied.
As the clock ticked down to his execution, Ricks faced his fate at the Huntsville Unit, Texasβ most notorious execution facility. In a stark departure from tradition, he did not request a last meal, as Texas abolished the practice in 2011.
At 6:55 PM, Ricks was pronounced dead after the lethal injection was administered. In his final words, he expressed remorse to the victims’ families, particularly to Marcus, who survived the horrific ordeal. Ricks acknowledged the pain he caused, wishing for peace for those he harmed.
The execution serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the enduring scars left on survivors. Marcus Figueroa, now a young adult, must carry the weight of that tragic night as he navigates life, forever marked by a trauma no child should endure.
This case is not just about justice served; it underscores the haunting legacy of violence and the resilience of those who survive unimaginable horrors. Cedric Allen Ricks, executed at 51, leaves behind a story that resonates deeply, reminding us of the lives irrevocably altered by his actions.