David Renteria executed, begs for forgiveness
Nov. 16—David Renteria was executed by lethal injection at 7:11 p.m. Thursday in Huntsville, almost 22 years after the abduction and murder of Alexandra Flores.
The execution was delayed by almost an hour in a final plea to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately denied Renteria, 53, his request for a stay.
"There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about that fateful day and what transpired," Renteria said. "I pray that the Lord gives you peace. I pray that the Lord gives you what you seek."
Flores was 5 years old when Renteria kidnapped her from a Walmart while she was Christmas shopping with her family in El Paso. Flores went missing on Nov. 18, 2001, and was found dead the next day, strangled and burned in an alley over 16 miles away.
Renteria went on to say he was a man of many faults and begged for forgiveness from those whom he had hurt or caused pain.
The statement did not sit well with the brother and sister of Flores.
Ignacio Frausto and Sandra Frausto chose different sides of the room when viewing Renteria through the windows and bars of the execution chamber. Ignacio stood still, staring sternly at Renteria, who was strapped to the gurney just feet away. Sandra stood to the side, choosing not to look directly at the man who murdered her sister. She even cried when seeing his face through the plexiglass and bars.
"Baby sister ... you were robbed of what have been a beautiful life," said Sandra Frausto, following the execution while making a statement with her brother. "Your contagious laugh, your perfect smile, and your mischievous but sweet personality will forever echo in our hearts."
Ignacio said the photos he was holding were her happy moments. He thanked everyone who helped his family get through the process.
"It has been a tough week," Ignacio said, as his voice broke. "Mom, it took 22 years. It is done now. We finally can truly begin to heal."
Ignacio was asked if he could make a statement on watching Renteria die, to which he declined, stating it was "too easy for (Renteria)."
Renteria quoted Abraham Lincoln in final statement that began with a song in Spanish, and a blessing by his spiritual advisor, Dorothy Ruelas.
Renteria's sister, Cecilia Esparza, could be heard singing along with her brother and sobbing throughout the execution as Renteria recited the Lord's Prayer as he took his last breath.
Contact Brenda Poe at editor@itemonline.com
