Man who set beloved Texas grandma on fire executed 13 years after her murder
Share this @internewscast.com

A Texas man was executed on Tuesday evening 13 years after brutally killing a beloved grandma when he set her on fire at a gas station. 

Matthew Johnson, 49, was found guilty of the brutal murder of Nancy Harris, 76, a gas station employee he covered in lighter fluid and ignited during a 2012 robbery in Garland, TX.

He was pronounced dead at 6:53 p.m. after giving a final statement.

“First and foremost, I would like to give all praises to God. Without Him, I wouldn’t be here on this Earth. I am grateful for the life He has given me,” Johnson stated. “To Mrs. Harris’ family, as I look at each of you, I see her from that day. I sincerely ask for your forgiveness. I never intended to harm her. I hope to see her when I open my eyes, and I wish to spend eternity with her.”

Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville

Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville. (Google Maps)

“I harmed an innocent woman. I took the life of a human being. I was responsible for that. It was never my intention to kill or harm her, but I did,” Johnson confessed. 

During his sentencing, Johnson testified that he had been under the influence of drugs and alcohol during the robbery, claiming the lighter fluid was only meant to scare Harris, and he had no intention to kill her. 

Johnson tried to appeal his death sentence, but his attempts failed. 

Johnson’s execution will mark the fourth in the state this year and would bring the total number of executions in the U.S. to 18 so far this year. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Federal judge restricts ICE agents amid ongoing Minneapolis area protests

Federal Judge Limits ICE Actions During Minneapolis Protests

A Minnesota judge has issued a decisive ruling on Friday, preventing federal…
ICE releases photos after violent Minneapolis protests leave multiple alleged agitators arrested

ICE Releases Images Following Arrests of Alleged Agitators During Minneapolis Protests

On Friday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unveiled images of four…
DOJ: California man found with missing Jacksonville child in 2023 sentenced to prison

California Man Sentenced for Involvement with Missing Jacksonville Child Found in 2023

In a recent court decision, Gyasi Wallace, a 33-year-old from California, received…
Backlash erupts after city council appoints police review board member with murder conviction

Oregon City Reverses Decision: Convicted Murderer Removed from Police Review Board Amid Public Outcry

In the wake of growing criticism and widespread public discontent, the Salem…
Bat infestation forces St. Mary's Elementary to extend relocation for safety, remediation

Bat Invasion at St. Mary’s Elementary: Extended Relocation Ensures Student Safety and Comprehensive Remediation

St. Mary’s Elementary School in Camden County is facing an extended relocation…
Former TV anchor accused of stabbing 80-year-old mother to death, telling police she did it to 'save herself'

Shocking Twist: Ex-TV Anchor’s Murder Case Halted as She’s Deemed Unfit for Trial

The legal proceedings against a former TV news anchor accused of murdering…
Carl McCain wins Mega Millions drawing, but money was kept for debt he didn't owe after someone used his social security number

Carl McCain Claims Mega Millions Jackpot, Faces Unjust Debt Seizure Due to Identity Theft

TIMBERLAKE, N.C. — A resident of North Carolina, Carl McCain, recently found…
'We must do better': Protesters rally at Jacksonville City Hall, demand mayor speak out against ICE

Jacksonville City Hall Protestors Demand Mayor’s Stand Against ICE Policies

Protesters have taken to city hall, urging Mayor Donna Deegan to make…
Readers sound off on housing for seniors, defunding ICE and a gifted Nobel prize

Public Weighs In on Senior Housing, ICE Budget Cuts, and Recent Nobel Prize Award

Help seniors stay in their homes and get care In Manhattan, Governor…
2026 World Series odds: Dodgers a runaway favorite after signing Kyle Tucker

2026 World Series: Dodgers Soar to Top Favorites with Blockbuster Kyle Tucker Signing

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Gurnee pedestrian killed: Javier Contreras-Bulnes charged months after Amber Knowles hit, killed by truck on Delany Road: Police

Justice Pursued: Javier Contreras-Bulnes Charged Months After Tragic Hit-and-Run of Amber Knowles in Gurnee

In Gurnee, Illinois, authorities have filed charges months after a tragic accident…
Build universal child care as Mamdani vowed to do

Unlocking the Future: How Mamdani Plans to Revolutionize Universal Child Care

Luisa starts her day in the Bronx before the sun is up,…