In a dramatic development, Texas delivered swift justice by executing a man who brutally murdered a beloved grandmother.
Matthew Lee Johnson set 76-year-old Nancy Harris on fire during a 2012 robbery. The killer’s final words included a stunning apology to his victim’s family,
The 49-year-old man was pronounced dead after receiving a lethal injection at the Texas state prison in Huntsville.
His execution marks the fourth carried out by Texas in 2025, a state that continues to lead the nation in holding violent criminals accountable.
The brutal crime shocked the community when Johnson entered a Garland gas station in May 2012.
He robbed Harris and then viciously doused her with lighter fluid before setting her ablaze.
Harris suffered burns over 40% of her body and died from her injuries five days later. Despite her horrific buns, she managed to describe her attacker to police before passing away.
During his trial in 2013, Johnson admitted to the horrific crime but claimed he was under the influence of crack cocaine at the time.
His legal team attempted to use his history of drug addiction and alleged childhood sexual abuse to garner sympathy.
However, the jury delivered a death sentence for the unconscionable attack captured partially on security cameras.
“I made wrong choices, I’ve made wrong decisions, and now I pay the consequences,” Johnson said in his final statement, acknowledging the justice being served for his actions.
Texas killer who fatally set elderly store clerk on fire makes bizarre final wish before execution https://t.co/sDWv9B0CfV pic.twitter.com/QELYOqIcRd
— New York Post (@nypost) May 21, 2025
Johnson addressed his victim’s family members, who were present to witness justice being carried out.
In his final moments, he offered an apology that can never undo the suffering he caused to a family that included four sons, 11 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
While addressing fellow death row inmates before his execution, Johnson emphasized faith in Jesus, telling them, “I love y’all man, y’all continue on. Jesus is the way brothers, he is the only way.”
The execution comes as President Donald Trump continues to support capital punishment expansion for “the vilest crimes.”
The president is standing firm against radical leftist efforts to eliminate consequences for the most dangerous criminals in our society.
Minutes before his execution, Johnson said:
“To Mrs. Harris’ family, as I look at each and every one of you, I see her on that day. I just please ask for y’all’s forgiveness. I never meant to hurt her. I pray that she’s the first person that I see when I open my eyes, and I will spend eternity with her.”
Texas maintains its commitment to delivering justice despite 23 states having abolished the death penalty.
Democrat-led states like California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania have also placed moratoriums on executions.
The Lone Star State’s death row population currently stands at 171 inmates, its lowest since 1984.
Johnson’s execution brings closure to the Harris family after 13 long years of waiting for justice, proving that Texas remains committed to upholding law and order.
