Death Row Inmate's Chilling Last Words Before Execution

Richard Lee Tabler’s life was marked by crime, violence, and ultimately, a desperate search for redemption. Convicted of a double homicide in Texas and having admitted to two additional murders, Tabler spent nearly 20 years on death row before his execution on Feb. 13, 2025. His crimes were brutal. In November 2004, he lured two men to a parking lot under the guise of selling stereo equipment before killing them and later murdered two teenage girls who worked at a strip club. His sentence was upheld at every level, and after years of legal battles, he ultimately chose to forego his appeals and accept his fate.

A Final Act of Contrition

As Tabler faced his final moments, he sought forgiveness from the families of his victims.

“There is not a day that goes by that I don’t regret my actions,” he said, as reported by the Associated Press, addressing the grieving relatives. “I had no right to take your loved ones from you, and I ask and pray, hope and pray, that one day you find it in your hearts to forgive me for those actions.”

His statement was long and deeply remorseful, repeatedly expressing sorrow for his past. Tabler acknowledged that his apologies could never bring back the lives he took, but he hoped they could provide some measure of closure to the families left behind.

His Last Words and Final Moments

Tabler’s last words carried a mix of faith and resignation. He thanked those who had supported him during his two decades behind bars, including prison staff and fellow inmates. He spoke of God, declaring that his execution was not the end but the beginning of his “ultimate life in heaven,” according to USA Today.

According to PEOPLE, his final words before receiving the lethal injection were, “… I am finished.” As the drugs took effect, he mouthed a final “I’m sorry” before taking his last breath. He was pronounced dead at 6:38 p.m.

The Family He Left Behind

Despite his violent past, Tabler was not without loved ones who mourned his loss. His mother and sister were present for his execution, standing by him until the very end. He also left behind a wife, whom he met through a prison letter-writing program, who described him as a kind and loving man.

“The Richard that I know is not the man that they portray to be a monster,” his wife told USA Today. “I’ve never met anybody, even out here in the free world, that has a heart bigger than his.”

While society may remember Tabler for his crimes, his family insists that he was more than just his worst actions. In his final years, he devoted himself to faith, ministering to fellow death row inmates and writing books to steer young people away from a life of crime.

References: Death Row Inmate Mouthed a 2-Word Message to His Victims’ Families in Final Moments Before His Execution | Double execution: Richard Lee Tabler put to death in Texas 1 hour after Florida execution | Texas executes man for 2004 double killing in a dispute with his strip club manager