The State of Texas executed Arthur Lee Burton, 54, at 6:47 p.m. Wednesday. Burton was convicted of the July 1997 murder of Nancy Adleman.
Court records show Adleman was jogging near her home when Burton grabbed her, dragged her into the woods, severely beat her, and strangled her with a shoelace. Burton confessed to the murder.
During a final statement, Burton thanked those who supported him and “To all the people I have hurt and caused pain, I wish we didn’t have to be here at this moment, but I want you to know that I am sorry for putting you all through this and my family.”
Adleman’s widower, Mark Adleman, her son Geoffrey, and brother, Robert Buquoi witnessed Burton’s execution. Mark Adleman’s wife, Herlinda Wilkinson, and Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg also witnessed Burton’s execution. The family did not make any statements after the execution.
Burton’s brother, Michael Burton, witnessed the execution and also did not make any public statements afterward.
“He said he was sorry, but he did not admit, on the gurney, as to what he did,” said Ogg. “I just can’t tell you the impact that it makes on people’s families; they’re never the same. But after tonight, at least, the justice process and all the legal fighting is over.”
In a final appeal, Burton claimed he had an intellectual disability that should preclude him from being given the death penalty; a claim he had not raised during previous appeals. The appeal was rejected. and Ogg said it was without merit.
”It was presented that Burton had been playing Dungeons & Dragons and had become an avid player and fan, during his years here at TDCJ, and that directly contradicts his claim that he was intellectually disabled,” said Ogg.