Texas has executed Charles Victor Thompson, a man who spent 27 years on death row for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend, Glenda Dennis Hlip. The lethal injection took place at the Huntsville unit on January 28, 2026, marking the end of a long and harrowing saga of violence and tragedy.
In 1998, Thompson, then 27, committed an act of unimaginable brutality. After a toxic relationship with Dennis Hlip, who had moved on to a new partner, Thompson’s jealousy spiraled out of control. Despite multiple incidents of violence, Dennis tried to escape his grasp, but Thompson’s obsession led to a catastrophic confrontation.
On the fateful morning of April 30, 1998, Thompson broke into Dennis’s apartment, armed and intent on revenge. After a violent altercation with her new boyfriend, Darren Kaine, Thompson shot him multiple times, killing him instantly. Dennis, who attempted to defend herself, was gravely injured when Thompson turned the gun on her, leaving her fighting for her life.
Thompson fled the scene but not before confessing to his crime. He turned himself in later that day, while Dennis succumbed to her injuries a week later, leaving her 13-year-old son, Wade, to grapple with the devastating loss. The community was left in shock as the details of the crime unfolded.
Thompson was sentenced to death in 1999, but his path to execution was fraught with 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶. In a 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 turn, he escaped from prison in 2005, managing to evade capture for three days before being apprehended. His escape sent ripples of fear through the community and rekindled the pain of the victims’ families.
After years of legal proceedings and appeals, Thompson’s execution warrant was issued in September 2025. In his final hours, he spent time with attorneys and a spiritual adviser but received no visits from family. The execution took place at 6:00 p.m., with witnesses present to observe the lethal injection.
Witnesses reported that Thompson showed signs of discomfort during the procedure, a stark reminder of the violent life he led. His death was officially confirmed at 6:15 p.m., closing a dark chapter in Texas history. The execution reignites discussions about the death penalty and its implications, leaving many to reflect on the cycle of violence and tragedy that defined Thompson’s life and the lives of his victims.
The case serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of domestic violence and the far-reaching impact it can have on families and communities. As Texas moves forward, the haunting echoes of Thompson’s actions will linger, urging society to confront the realities of such violence head-on.