The Latest: Texas executes man for 2001 slaying of 75-year-old auto repair shop owner

HOUSTON – 6:55 p.m. CDT

Texas death row inmate Gregory Russeau has been executed for the slaying of a 75-year-old East Texas auto repair shop owner 14 years ago during a crack cocaine binge.

The 45-year-old Russeau became on Thursday the nation’s 17th convicted killer to receive a lethal injection this year and the ninth in Texas.

The U.S. Supreme Court last October refused to review his case, and no additional appeals were filed for him in the courts.

Russeau was sentenced to die for the May 2001 death of James Syvertson, who was beaten, robbed and whose car was stolen from his shop in Tyler.

Russeau’s trial attorneys acknowledged he took the car but argued someone else was responsible for the slaying. His fingerprints, palm prints and DNA were found at the slaying scene.

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12:45 a.m. CDT

No appeals are in the courts as condemned Texas prisoner Gregory Russeau heads for execution for the slaying of a 75-year-old East Texas auto repair shop owner 14 years ago during a crack cocaine binge.

The 45-year-old Russeau on Thursday evening would become the ninth inmate to receive a lethal injection this year in Texas, which carries out capital punishment more than any other state.

The Supreme Court last October refused to review his case and no additional appeals were filed for him in the courts. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles this week rejected a clemency petition.

He was convicted and sentenced to die for the May 2001 fatal beating of James Syvertson, who was attacked, robbed and had his car stolen from his shop in Tyler.