Almost two decades after Pablo Vasquez killed a 12-year-old boy, the convicted murderer is set to die in a Texas execution chamber Wednesday night.
Vasquez, 38, has appealed his execution, but it’s unclear whether a stay will be granted, Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesman Robert Hurst said.
“All executions in Texas are scheduled at 6 p.m., but can occur any time after that leading up to midnight,” Hurst said.
Vasquez was convicted of killing David Cardenas in Donna, Texas,18 years ago. Authorities said Vasquez and co-defendant Andy Chapa had met the 12-year-old boy at a local party.
On the night of April 18, 1998, “Vasquez struck the victim in the head with a piece of pipe and a shovel,” the Department of Criminal Justice said. “The victim’s body was buried behind a residence. … Vasquez took a ring and a necklace from the victim.”
If Vasquez is put to death Wednesday night, it will mark Texas’ sixth execution of the year.