While the Media Focused on Mike Vick -- Texas carries out 400th execution in 31 years

BBC NEWS | Americas | Texas carries out 400th execution

Texas carries out 400th execution

Conner asked for forgiveness before he was put to his death Texas has carried out its 400th execution since the US Supreme Court reintroduced the death penalty in 1976. Johnny Ray Conner, 32, was put to death by lethal injection for the 1998 fatal shooting of a grocery store clerk. Conner was pronounced dead at 1820 (2320 GMT), eight minutes after the lethal mix of drugs was injected. Earlier this week, the EU urged Texas to end the "cruel and inhumane" practice. Texas's governor said it was a "just and appropriate" punishment. System 'broken' Members of Conner's family and that of the victim, Kathyanna Nguyen, witnessed the execution through windows in the death chamber. Before he was put to death, Conner - who had always maintained his innocence - asked for forgiveness and expressed love to his family and Ms Nguyen's family.