HUNTSVILLE, Texas – After facing a day of last-minute appeals, convicted murderer Ivan Cantù was executed in Huntsville amid lingering claims of innocence and protests from supporters who believed he was wrongly convicted. Cantù, who was convicted of the execution-style murders of his cousin and the victim’s fiancée, was pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m., despite efforts to halt his execution.
Cantù’s final moments were spent seeking a stay of execution, with his mother, Sylvia Cantù, expressing their last hope in the governor intervening before the lethal injection was administered. However, Governor Abbott took no action, leading to Cantù’s execution 24 years after the brutal crimes.
The Collin County District Attorney, Greg Willis, expressed relief for the victims’ families following Cantù’s execution, emphasizing the overwhelming evidence that pointed towards Cantù’s guilt. Despite protests and claims of a lack of fair trial, Willis maintained confidence in the case against Cantù, citing significant evidence such as Cantù’s fingerprint on the murder weapon, the victim’s DNA found on various pieces of evidence, and a statement from Cantù’s trial attorneys revealing his private admission to the murders before trial.
The affidavit filed by Cantù’s trial attorneys detailed how his admission influenced their defense strategy, leading them to believe that a psychiatric evaluation could portray Cantù as a sociopath, potentially diminishing the chances of a life sentence. Collin County’s DA refuted claims that the case relied solely on Cantù’s admission, insisting on the strength of the evidence gathered throughout the investigation.
This marks the first execution in Texas this year, with another death row inmate scheduled to face the same fate in two weeks. The case of Ivan Cantù continues to highlight the complexities of the criminal justice system and the debate surrounding the death penalty.