Lopez executed for CCPD officer's death
The man who struck and killed a Corpus Christi police officer putting out spike strips during a chase was put to death Wednesday evening.
The Supreme Court refused to block the execution of Daniel Lopez as he ordered his appeals dropped in order to hasten his execution.
Attorneys for Lopez argued their client was using the justice system as a form of suicide.
On March 11, 2009, Lopez, 21, was pulled over in the Molina neighborhood for driving erratically. Lopez assaulted an officer and then fled, leading officers on a chase.
Lt. Alexander was placing spike strips near NPID and Agnes when witnesses said Lopez intentionally swerved toward Lt. Stuart Alexander. Lopez's vehicle struck and killed Alexander.
The chase finally ended at Comanche and Brownlee, where Lopez rammed several police cars before being shot twice. A capital murder conviction would later put him on death row.
CCPD Asst. Chief Mark Gutierrez was a longtime friend and colleague of Alexander. Gutierrez and a group of officers were scheduled to attend the execution.
"I think this is appropriate for us to send representatives to show that we have not forgotten and we will never forget," said Asst. Chief Gutierrez.
Gutierrez has stayed in contact with Alexander's widow, Vicky. He says it's been a long, agonizing ordeal for everyone.
"I would hope that he would show some remorse for the loss of life and for the agony the family's had to endure since then," he said. "(For) his family as well, they've had to endure this whole process as well."
Lt. Alexander was 47-years old when he was killed. He was a 20 year veteran of the Corpus Christi police force.
Following the execution, prison officials released a printed copy of Lopez's final statement.
It reads, "I would like to thank you, I hope this execution helps my family and also the victim's family. This was never meant to be, sure beyond my power. I can only walk the path before me and make the best of it. I am sorry for putting y'all through this. I am sorry, I love you. I am ready. May we all go to Heaven. Thank you Warden Jones."
http://www.kristv.com/story/29764804...f-daniel-lopez
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