by A Texas death row inmate convicted of murdering a 76-year-old great-grandmother by setting her on fire during a 2012 robbery was executed on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the state penitentiary in Huntsville.
Matthew Lee Johnson, 49, shared unsettling final words before receiving a lethal injection—exactly 13 years after the horrific crime that shocked the Garland community.
What Happened
On May 20, 2012, Matthew Johnson entered a convenience store in Garland, Texas, and carried out a violent robbery. During the incident, he attacked store clerk Nancy Harris, doused her with lighter fluid, and set her on fire.
Johnson stole cash, personal items, and fled the scene with candy bars. Harris, severely burned, managed to seek help but succumbed to her injuries five days later.
Key Details
- Victim: Nancy Harris, 76, great-grandmother and morning-shift store clerk
- Crime Date: May 20, 2012
- Location: Garland, Texas
- Execution Date: May 20, 2025
- Method: Lethal injection at Huntsville state penitentiary
- Time of Death: 6:53 p.m. CDT
Court records revealed that Harris suffered second- to fourth-degree burns on her face, arms, hands, chest, and legs.
During his 2013 trial, Johnson admitted to the killing and claimed he was under the influence of crack cocaine at the time.
Reactions or Statements
In his final moments, Johnson addressed Harris’ family directly:
“As I look at each one of you, I can see her on that day… I kindly ask for your forgiveness. I never intended to hurt her,” he said, according to the Associated Press.
“I pray that she’s the first person I see when I open my eyes and I spend eternity with.”
Despite his remorseful words, Harris’ family and community members described the execution as a long-awaited step toward justice.
Investigation and Trial
Following the incident, Johnson was arrested and confessed to the crime. During the trial in 2013, he acknowledged the brutal nature of his actions and expressed guilt.
He was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death.
FAQs
Who was the victim in this case?
Nancy Harris, a 76-year-old great-grandmother, worked at the Garland convenience store where she was fatally attacked.
How did the murder happen?
Johnson set Harris on fire during a robbery after stealing cash, rings, cigarettes, and candy bars.
What were Johnson’s final words?
He asked for forgiveness and hoped to see Harris in the afterlife, stating he never meant to hurt her.
Why did it take 13 years for the execution?
Legal processes, appeals, and death penalty procedures often result in lengthy delays between sentencing and execution.
Was Johnson under the influence during the crime?
Yes, he claimed to be high on crack cocaine at the time of the attack.
Final Takeaway
The execution of Matthew Lee Johnson closes a painful chapter in a tragic case that gripped Texas for over a decade.
While his final statements expressed remorse, they offered limited comfort to those affected by the violent loss of Nancy Harris. Her legacy remains as a reminder of the real human cost behind every headline.
