Condemned Grayson Co. killer loses appeal
Save Email Print
Updated: 6:38 PM Oct 8, 2008
Condemned Grayson Co. killer loses appeal
SHERMAN, TX - The state's top criminal appeals court has upheld the conviction and death sentence of Andre Thomas, a Sherman man accused of killing his wife, their son, and her daughter back in 2004.
Posted: 12:04 PM Oct 8, 2008
Reporter: KXII Staff
Email Address: firstnews@kxii.com
width:200 and height: 269 and picwidth: 178 and pciheight: 239
Andre Thomas
Font Size:

SHERMAN, Tex. - The state's top criminal appeals court has upheld the conviction and death sentence of a Grayson County man accused of killing his wife, their son and her daughter.

Andre Thomas confessed to fatally stabbing all three in their chests in March 2004 and ripping out their hearts. The appeals court ruled Thomas knowingly and intelligently waived his rights.

Thomas gouged out his right eye inside a jail cell in April 2004, moments after reading a Bible verse.

Then in June, a judge declared suspect Andre Thomas incompetent to stand trial in the murder of his wife and her two children.

Thomas was then found competent to stand trial in July 2004 after a brief stay at Vernon Mental Hospital.

Within hours of his arrest, Thomas gave a chilling confession, where he described in detail how he committed the murders.

Defense attorneys wanted the confession tossed because they said he was not competent to make that statement, but the confession was ruled admissible in December.

A Grayson County jury found Andre Thomas guilty of capital murder after 35 minutes of deliberation in March of 2005. The packed courtroom was quiet, and Thomas showed no emotion as Judge James Fry read the jury’s verdict. Family members of the victims had a look of relief on their face as the verdict was read.

Thomas was sentenced to die by that jury a few days later in March.

Defense Attorney R.J. Hagood pleaded that Thomas had been neglected as a child and that death was not the appropriate choice.

Hagood still feels that way today, more than three years later.

"It's a tragedy. I don't think Andre was right. He was found competent and sane at the time."

Grayson County district attorney Joe Brown said Wednesday he is satisfied with the appeals court's decision.

"The result of the most serious crime is the most serious penalty, and I'm confident he will get the death penatly," Brown said.

Attorneys say the next step Thomas could take is to request a rehearing.

No execution date has been set.


Doppler 12 Radar
AP Video on KXII
In The Community
Tickets on sale for Denison playoff game
Last Updated: 4:41 PM 11/17/09 - Tickets to the Denison Yellow Jacket Area State Playoff game against Dallas Conrad go on sale Tuesday morning at the Denison ISD Administration Building, the Denison High School Athletic Office, and Parks Drugs at 1926 W. Morton Street. (Full Story)
Turkey Give-a-way

Last Updated: 7:47 AM 11/17/09 - Always Better Care is sponsoring their second annual Turkey Give-a-way. They want to provide an extra special gift for needy families this year. (Full Story)
Legends of Bluegrass Concert

Last Updated: 7:21 AM 11/13/09 - It is time for the Legends of Bluegrass Concert at the Choctaw Event Center. Its coming up Saturday November 14th. The Doors open at 6:00pm. (Full Story)
Fannin County Walk and Roll

Last Updated: 7:18 AM 11/12/09 - If you want to get some good exercise and support a good cause at the same time, Northeast Medical home Home Health is calling on you. (Full Story)
Veterans honored across Texoma

Last Updated: 7:20 PM 11/11/09 - The outpouring on Wednesday at Veterans Day ceremonies across Texoma was both moving and powerful. Across the area local veterans received many thanks and words of gratitude for their service. (Full Story)
More Headlines