A death row inmate's final words have been shared after he was executed, despite desperate pleas from reality star Kim Kardashian who claimed he was 'an innocent man'.
Ivan Cantu, who was convicted of killing his cousin James Mosqueada and his cousin’s fiancée Amy Kitchen in 2001, was executed at Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville on Wednesday (February 29).
Prosecutors said that in November 2000, Cantu killed his cousin and his girlfriend during an attempt to steal cocaine, marijuana, and money from Mosqueda's north Dallas home.
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However, the inmate believed that a rival drug dealer killed his cousin in a dispute over cash.
Speaking from the execution chamber at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas, Cantu said: "I’d like to address the Kitchens and Mosqueda families. I want you to know that I never killed James and Amy.
"And if I did, if I knew who did, you would’ve been the first to know any information I would’ve had that would’ve helped to bring justice to James and Amy I would’ve shared.
"I want you all to know that I don’t think that this situation here will bring you closure if it does. If this is what it takes or have any reservations off in your mind, then so be it. This is not going to help you guys and I want you to know from me that it never occurred."
Last month reality TV star Kim Kardashian spoke out in support of Cantu as she wrote on X to her 75.1 million followers: "I heard about Ivan Cantu’s case from Sister Helen Prejean and was really moved by it.
"Ivan has always maintained his innocence claiming that the rival drug dealer framed him for the murders.
"There was false testimony by the State’s star witnesses who later recanted their statements and evidence withheld by the prosecution that would be extremely impactful.
"Even the jurors want to help now and support Ivan’s appeals, believing they did not hear all the evidence at trial."
She continued: "In April, 2023, a judge canceled Ivan’s scheduled execution when the defense filed an appeal about false testimony and new evidence.
"But later that year the execution was rescheduled and he is set to die on February 28, 2024. HOW YOU CAN HELP- Texas now has a conviction integrity unit.
"The prosecutors offices are beginning to recognize that there are a lot of mistakes in convictions. They encourage you to write into their integrity units about specific cases, so I am encouraging everyone to write in about the case of Ivan Cantu. The time to act to save Ivan Cantu is now!"
Cantu’s death was announced by officials at 6.47pm CT on Wednesday.
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said Cantu had 'finally met with justice' as he said in a statement: "My hopeful prayer is for the victims’ families, friends, and loved ones to find a long-awaited sense of peace."
The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has posted on X today to address Cantu's execution, penning: "Ivan Cantu was executed. Someone I believe is an innocent man.
"My prayers go out to his family and loved ones and everyone involved."
Topics: Crime, Kim Kardashian, Celebrity, US News
Niamh Spence