A man who was convicted of beginning a fire that killed his own children has been executed by lethal injection.
Raphael Holiday
A Texas inmate Raphael Holiday, was executed on Wednesday for setting a fire that killed his 18-month-old daughter and her two young half-sisters at an East Texas home 15 years ago.
According to AP, the 36-year-old Holiday, became the 13th convicted killer put to death this year in Texas, which carries out capital punishment more than any other state. It has accounted for half of all executions in the U.S. so far this year.
Asked by a warden if he had a final statement, Holiday thanked his "supporters and loved ones."
He said: "I love y'all. I want you to know I'm always going to be with you."
He also thanked the warden.
As the lethal dose of pentobarbital began, he took two deep breaths and appeared to yawn, his mouth remaining open as he wheezed several times. Then all movement stopped.
Nineteen minutes later, at 8:30 p.m. CST, he was pronounced dead.
The punishment was carried out after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal seeking to halt Holiday's punishment so new attorneys could be appointed to pursue additional unspecified appeals in his case.