Facts of the Crime: Convicted and sentenced to death in the February 22, 1999 murder of Robert Ratliff.
Ries became friends and eventually moved in to live with Robert Ratliff in his home in Cumby, Texas. After a dispute over some missing property, however, Ratliff evicted Ries from his house. Shortly thereafter, Ries and some associates stole Ratliff's pickup truck from his residence. but because it got poor gas milage, they decided to return to Ratliff's residence and steal his Lincoln Continental. When they returned, Ratliff was not home. Ries and Christopher White broke in, took some items, drove the truck into a pond, then waited outside.
After Ratliff came home with the Lincoln, Ries and White waited another thirty minutes until the lights in the house were turned off. Ries and White then entered the house again. Ries snuck into Ratliff's bedroom, where he was sleeping, and took his wallet and car keys. He then shot Ratliff in the back, then in the back of the neck, and finally one last shot behind his ear. Ries and White then drove away in Ratliff's Lincoln. They were arrested in Lawton, Oklahoma four days later in the victim's car. Ries, who was also wearing Ratliff's hat, confessed to the robbery and murder on videotape.
Victim: Robert Ratliff
Time of Death: 6:17 pm
Manner of Execution: Lethal Injection
Last Meal: None
Final Words: Ries expressed love to friends who watched through a death chamber window and urged them to stay strong because "Jesus is coming back soon." Looking toward another window, he told two daughters of his victim he was "really sorry for what I've done." Ries said he prayed that they would find peace through God. "I hope he heals your heart. The truth is that you are going to feel empty after tonight. Standing with Christ in your heart, he can only give you peace. I pray you can find it. I really do." As the lethal drugs began flowing, he started to sing a hymn. "Our God is an awesome God," he sang. "Lord, I lift your name on high." He then slipped into unconsciousness.
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