I can’t say that I have any sympathy for anyone who kills another person. And if it is seen that the person will kill again and can’t be helped then I am all in favor of the death penalty. We can’t be expected to house these people all of their lives to keep them off of the street. There has to be consequences for their actions.

I am glad to see though that Moreno came face to face with the reality of his wrongdoing and what was about to happen to him. I am glad that he turned to God. Hopefully he is sincere and stays right with Him.

I think more should be told in the article about the murder and why he was given a stay. That would help us put it in perspective more.

Cindy….Ga.

fry him

Awwww. Poor guy. So sad.

Hey! Let’s talk about the person he kidnapped and murdered with a bullet to the head.

This piece of dung should be fried!

very detail and well written. kudos.

one can only wonder how the “My Execution: Seen through the Victim’s Eyes” would have read.
You know, the dead fellow wasn’t even given a name to be personified.

Interesting . . . it was all about him. Gee, I’m sorry he was so scared and had so many things to distract him . . . what about the man he killed? Did he give even one second of thought to him? Did he feel remorse for what he did to him or his family? How many in this scum’s family prayed for the man he shot? Disgusting . . . and the person who granted the stay is to be ashamed of him/herself.

this makes you think about life and the choices you make

Too bad the killer got the stay! His entire rant showed no remorse or sorrow. There is no place on earth for an animal who takes the life of another for no reason. I say there should only be one chance for appeal of the death sentence and that appeal must be carried out within 2 years of conviction. The courts have become a lawyers golden goose and that is why we continue to have senseless murders and turmoil in our prisons. Speaking of prisons, those who kill or arrange killings while serving time should be tried and if convicted, given the death sentence which should be carried through within 1 year of the conviction.

TYPICAL NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY

Not a word about his victim or the family of his victim.

sanjosemike

Interesting that this worthless scum doesn’t see fit to offer any apology to the family of the person he callously murdered.

I frankly couldn’t care less how he spends his last day and I do not consider it “chilling”.

I do consider it disgusting that he murdered a man on January 22, 1986 and is still alive.

I notice the name of the victim is not provided. It would appear to be a ploy to de-personalize the victim.

If Gabriel Falcon is seeking to generate sympathy for this scum, he is seriously in error with this piece.

I dont see any reson for hime to get a stay and why we chould even care what he went through on deathrow. HE kidnapped and murdered someone, He did not give that person a chance to live…

Awwww. you were scared of dying? Too bad scumbag, you should have thought of that before you kidnapped an innocent man and put a bullet in his head. Too bad you are still alive sponging off our tax money. I hope they put you to sleep soon!

I can only think about the man he murdered and his family and friends. Thank God for the dealth penalty!!

Nice article. Interesting to see how he has changed. Still didn’t hear a word of remorse for the person he killed. How do you think that person’s last hours where? Tied up most likely and shot in the head like a mad dog. I hope that person had time to make peace with his maker. May God have mercy on YOUR sole Moreno.

I wish this guy could’ve experienced “in chilling detail” the terror felt by his VICTIM before he shot him in the head. At least Moreno has the good sense to be afraid of his judgement before God.

Screw him, boohoo poor me. Just put him in a cell and stop feeding him and let him die slowly like the little animal he is.

Uh…who cares? I’m just so incredibly sorry that he was offered all those “luxuries”. Did he offer the man he murdered a last meal? A phone call? A chaplain?

Friggin’ wah. I can only assume from this that he’s a “Christian” and that by saying, “oops, sorry…didn’t mean to kill anyone” that his “God” will forgive him and let him hang out in Heaven. What if that man (that you have so conveniently dehumanized by leaving out his name or the details) didn’t have a chance to say “sorry” for all of his sins? Does he get the same privilege in Heaven as this waste of oxygen?

Get over yourselves. Any man faced with death will go through the same emotions. Even the guy he murdered probably was wishing he had more time to talk to his God. Unfortunately, no one gave him a stay of execution.

I would love to read an account of the last minutes of the man Jose murdered. Oh wait, we can’t do that, he’s dead! Typical self centered killer, not a thought for his victim. Here’s a way to avoid the death penalty experience in Texas Jose: Don’t kidnap and murder someone! Sorry, no sympathy for this waste of space..

Right to the end, no remorse for the victim.

I really don’t get it. He shows no regrets or remorse for taking another persons life. It’s all about him. What about the person he killed? Did that man get to pray or meditate? He writes this after escaping execution and it’s all about him. There were no thoughts expressed at how the other man felt facing a grave pre-dug for him and shot. He never mentions the man he killed for money. He’s allowed to call his friends and family and have his last good-bye. And he doesn’t seem to notice that his victim did not have any peace, calm or ability to say good-bye to his loved ones before his death. He deserves the same peace on the day of his execution that he provided to the man he murdered.

We as a nation constantly obsess about the need to spare condemed inmates from “cruel and unusual punishment” but yet we think nothing about subjecting an inmate to the situations as described by Mr. Moreno. It seems to be commonplace that a capital case takes an average of 8 – 10 years of appeals, three or four false starts where a person is taken up to the last minute before execution and then snatched back only to go through the same process again and again. We delude ourselves to think we are a nation of compassion. What we need to do is to say up front that capital punishment is for revenge, and that the more cruel and arbitrary we can make it the better. If we were truly able to say that is our stated goal, well and good, but what about those unfortunate souls how are executed despite their innocence

Just goes to show how great God is. He hears your prayers and stops in his tracks just like the blind beggar in the Gospels. He stops for him just as he does for all of us today to listen to our pleads and our words and be with us and heal us and teach us. Thak God he learned. He learned the beginning. I pray he will be given the chance to learn all the way to the end. God Bless.

That is so crazy, i dont know what i would do if i was ever in that situation, well i would never put myself in that type of situation, but i can only imagine how that guy felt, thinking he was eating drinking smoking, and talking to his loved ones for the last time in his life, i would be speechless, i wouldnt be able to hold myself together to even talk to anyone.

The letter that Jose wrote was very touching and we all have got to ask ourselves do we treat Human Beings that way? The Death penalty is Barbaric and we are one of the few civilized countries that still pratice that, Texas is a state I would never want to live in nor would I want to visit, the amount of executions that go on there is deplorable. I do believe anyone involved in the pratice of the Death Penalty will have to answer to God one day, we have no right to take someone’s life and than to say it is Legal! Hopefully soon the Death penalty will be Banned forever!

Too bad the “man”, as he is so simply put in this article, that Moreno murdered did not get a stay. He probably did not get to make a phone call or drink sweet tea before Moreno gunned him down in cold blood either.

This article is ridiculous. It wants to humanize some killer but completely glosses over the real victim; this man that the author does not even bother to give a name to.

absolutely riveting.

This letter reflects the transition of a man from the materialistic world to the spiritual world. He realized that the most important thing in life is to be close to God to receive his grace and wisdom.

Did he think about the man he murdered at all? After all, he probably went through the same terror before he was killed. I do not feel sorry for this murderer.

While I do not support the death penalty, I have absolutely no sympathy for murderers sitting on death row. For those who are convinced that this man is guilty, what he describes is a greater consideration shown him than he ever showed his victim. And he has the luxury of even describing it all.

For those working to remove the death penalty from our justice system, pathos is the absolute worst approach. And this particular example, this condemned man’s death-watch letter, is poor at best. Death penalty opponents should dig much deeper, beyond compassion and sympathy, to intellect and reason, if they are ever to see their goal realized.

Sorry, but this guy gets no sympathy. I bet the person he murdered would have appreciated a stay of execution as well, or the chance to have a few final phone calls to his loved ones.

This man has been punished substantially and should not have to face death repeatedly. Reformation is almost inevitable and he should be given a chance to continue to live.

I wonder if he let his victim clear his head and start praying before he killed him.

The peace you are looking for is only in the Lord Jesus Christ and the only way to get this is by asking him to forgive you of all you sins (and he will). Then you will be sitting with him in heaven. There’s no other way to get in. Other wise you will burn in hell for all the bad you’ve done. God Bless You!!

Now let’s hear from the Guy he shot in the Head
How did he feel and what did he experience before his Death sentence was carried out ?
We are ALL responsible for our actions—You are no exception !

Facing death without any hope has to be the most dreadful of
stuations. Death without the dark empiness that is almost inevitable
How heartless and cruel can our system be allowed to continue. I still have a lump in my throat after reading Mr. Moreno’s comments.

Let the voice of the man that Moreno killed be heard…..Well, since Moreno silenced his victim, and since his victim cannot make ‘chilling’ statements on how he felt knowing that he was going to be executed, here is an account of what happened:

“Moreno was convicted of capital murder in the shooting death of Juan Cruz of San Antonio on January 22, 1986. Cruz was kidnapped and then shot to death in a scheme by Moreno to demand ransom from the victim’s family.
Moreno told police that he abducted Cruz because he heard his family had a lot of money. He said he demanded $30,000 from the family after he had driven the victim to an open grave and shot him in the head.”

Have you no shame in publishing this cold-blooded murderer’s fear? What about the victim? No shame in publishing the victim’s story? What can he say to us now? Nothing. Therefore we should turn our backs to this monster that is waiting to be exterminated….

Cry me a river! Who cares? You kill someone in Texas and we kill you back. Plain and simple.

This is not touching at all. This is the solace of a man that decided to take the life of another. Do you think the man he killed had any of these thoughts and do you think the cared as he pulled the trigger? No, he didn’t. Now he does but it’s too late.
This is the reason for the death penalty, make them realize what they did and pay for it.

He should have been killed. He put a bullet through some guys head and I am sure he didn’t put out sweets and all the other fine things that were made available to this thug. We should do it how the Japanese used to do it by not assigning a death date to the prisoner and rather just letting it be selected randomly sometime within the year after sentencing so that they can live in constant torment.

Your story is touching but let us not forget the fact that you killed a man with less disregard than the State has afforded you. We all make mistakes but we all are not murderers. We always remember the people that are alive yet seem to forget the victims that were brutally torchured and their lives taken by the same individuals asking for some sort of Reprieve. I have no remorse for a man on death row that has been found guilty of taken a life, because at some point he has put his life above the life of his victim and so should justice put that victim’s life above the life of that person sentenced to death. We are all human with a gift of reasoning and with this reasoning we make choices good or bad. In the end, we must pay one way or another for these choices we have made.

I wonder what a letter from his victim leading up to that “execution” would look like?

This definitely strengthens my support of the death penalty. This individual at no time offers any remorse or mention of his victim, just the selfishness of his last minute realization that this is the end and the entire time he has sat his pathetic butt on death row, he’s done nothing to atone for his criminal behavior.

I don’t believe in the death penalty because mistakes can be made but while this man explains how bad it is, did he care when he put his victim in the same situation and what it did to all the families. I don’t think he should be complaining. Why does he think he can inflict death but shouldn’t expect it himself?

Did the guy he killed have this time to reflect on his life. did the guy he killed get a stay of execution. did the guy he killed get a last meal.Did he get to call anyone.NO HE DID NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So why are we supposed to feel sorry for moreno.NOT ( good bye to you)

Another soul saved. AMEN!

Ohhhhh, my heart bleeds for the poor misunderstood victim, oh sorry he was the perpetrator. We should just forget about the the victim he kidnapped and murdered as well as the victims family. If someone chooses to act outside the norms of society, knowing there are severe consequences then they accept the possibility of consequences. Spare us the heartbreak sob story.

I wonder if this piece of trash wonders what the person he executed did with the last hours of his life…..

Enough is enough. Lets put the juice to him. He deserves it.

This is chilling and truly forces one to remember that it is living, breathing, sentient human beings who are being put to death. These are people with mothers and fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses, and children. At one time these criminals had dreams, laughed, loved, and hoped for a good life. How and why their lives got so twisted is cause for serious scrutiny. I oppose the death penalty, and yet, I can’t help but thinking of “exceptions” to my opposition–what if it were MY child that this person tortured and murdered? In my heart of hearts, I must confess that I would be the first to demand the death penalty. I have nothing but compassion for the families of the victims and understand their desire to see the death penalty applied. However, I do wish it could be abolished altogether, and then this issue would be a moot point.

That is a fairly vivid description of the process, and enlightening. It certainly is a bit more lengthy than Mr. Falcon’s description of the crime Moreno was being put to death for. For some reason, that garnered only twelve, disgustingly antiseptic words. “kidnapped a man and murdered him with a bullet to the head”. That sorry individual never even got a name. Let’s bring that guy back, and get a description of his last day. I’m sure the last day he experienced was more frightening and horrificly violent than anything anyone would want to see. Don’t forget the victims, people. They deserve justice. I say bring Moreno back to the death house as many times as it takes to finish him. The world is better without sociopaths of his ilk. If he goes out “sobbing and scared”, that works for me.

Well. I just did a little research on this poor, misunderstood death-row inmate. Yeah. He’s a real peach.

Your Christian God should be ashamed of himself if he forgives this low-life. Oh…but, the poor guy had a rough childhood. That’s so sad. I bet mine was worse. I haven’t killed anyone…yet. Give me a few minutes in a room with the likes of this guy and I may change.

Unlike your little poster-child here, Juan Cruz, the 18 year old college student that he murdered for ransom, will never get the chance to prove what kind of man he may have been.

Did the guy he killed have cookies, cakes, sweet tea, etc.? Don’t feel sorry for this sack of garbage. Get rid of him. When are we going to wake up as a society? Those who say the death penalty doesn’t deter crime are insane. The reason is because we don’t execute enough people!! If execution was a real possibility, you’d see murders drop in a heartbeat, guaranteed. Wake up. Stop worrying about garbage like this and concentrate on making this world a better place.

While I’m for the death penalty, I think it is overused, takes too long to get it done, and is rather embarrasing that all of these legal challenges get decided hours before the execution. The death penalty should be reserved for the worst of the worst, and they should just take the person out back of the courthouse after their trial and put a bullet in their head. Done!

Not a word about his regret for killing someone. He put himself there by comitting murder. No sympathy from me. we should outlaw a “stay” unless there is new, potentially exonerating, evidence.

If you are all done feeling sorry for him, can we get on with the execution!

Why don’t you talk about the last moments of his victim? The terror…begging for his life.
Unreal – typical of death penalty opponents: Fawn over the killers..they are our hereos.
Sick

Neither the dirtbag or the article state the name of the person murdered or his age or how his family has suffered for all these years while useless waste of airspace moreno partied and smoked and had treats and had special visits. Lets import from China how they do it. With in 1 to 6 months of conviction, into the courtyard and the last thing they feel is the tip of the bayonet against their neck and then BAM!

Poor baby. I find it amusing that he felt so scared for himself, but did he think about how his victim felt that day he took HIS life? Not. Going to sleep on a gurney must be nice…no pain, no suffering…just drift off to sleep forever. Why do people care SO much about the bad guy who takes the life of innocent men, women and children? I guarantee you that not one of the bleeding heart protesters outside any prison in this country would be worrying themselves about some monster if he killed their loved one. What about the victim?? Did they not suffer cruel and unusual punishment? Did they get mercy from their killer? NO they did not. How can anyone say that the death penalty is cruel? I’ll tell you what’s cruel…a person (if you want to call him that) can kidnap, rape and murder a child, but oh well…but there are people all over the country who feel sorry for HIM!! Disgusting. A man kills his wife because he’s sick of her…oh well…he has rights. I beg to differ. A mother kills her child/children…must be her hormones. A woman kills her husband because he cheated or she found a new man…I guess he deserved it? I don’t think so. Sex offenders have more rights than I do…I have to keep myself locked up in my own house. Meanwhile, these sick evil freaks get to roam the streets and wait to find their next victim. Rehabilitate them? Yeah, if you take away his weapon if you know what I mean. A killer is a killer, a rapist is a rapist, and that’s that. These monsters get 3 squares a day, free health care and dental care, etc. Who pays for it? YOU. Law abiding citizens who pay their taxes and live a decent life or try to. There is something VERY messed up with our justice system. Always has been. This is the first time I have EVER posted my thoughts on the internet because I am sick and tired of these inmates crying about their fears of being put to death by a needle. I will say this though…there are innocent people on Death Row…and that’s a tragedy. But for the one’s who without any doubt have killed…see ya…wouldn’t wanna be ya.

Reading this letter left a gray haze in my minds eye, and I believe even deeper that death penalties are barbaric. There’s no doubt that murders must face harsh punishments, but death isn’t the appropriate penalty. We can all agree that killing is wrong, it’s wrong for both murderers, and it’s wrong for the convicted to be put to death by our government. The middle ages don’t seem that far back in human history when we see what we do to each other. And no, I have never had a family member murdered, I don’t have that experience. As long as they’re out of society, they cease to be, we don’t need to execute murders for justice, this justice is revenge, and that’s bizarre, and it’s a flawed justice.

I wonder how the gentleman whose life Jose Angel Moreno took, felt on his death walk. I wonder if he had a chance to make peace with his God.

Everyone has an excuse, but still a life was lost because of their senseless act of evil.

wow! what a testimony, but at the same time i can’t stop thinking about the victium’s family, and how they must have felt when Moreno got his stay. Just at the moment it was all so clear to him, it was a distraction from what he needed to prepare himself for, and that was his maker. GOD BLESS THE VICTUM’S FAMILY, MORENO, AND EVEYONE WHO HAS BEEN A VICTIM OF A VIOLENT CRIME, AND FOR THOSE WHO WERE NOT IN THER RIGHT MINDS…. MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON THEIR SOULS.

He got way more than the victim did. Spiritual advisor, clean clothes, drinks and snacks and a stay of execution. Beats the heck out of a bullet to the brain.

It is a shame that his victim was not given the pleasure of saying goodbye to his own family or given a stay of execution.

At least he has time to prepare, think, pray.
He can consult with a chaplin, call friends, have a last meal, cigarettes if he wants. Great. Wonderful. Why not a trip to Disneyland?
What about the person he kidnapped and murdered? How much time he allow him to prepare to die?

I have always been a proponent of capital punishment, and I still am. This man has recognized that the punishment meted to him is just, and has accepted it as his consequence for his actions. I feel that is now understands the importance of being in GOD’s grace. The death penalty for him will be life in GOD’s presense. Yes, the death penalty works.

Interesting. But what about the poor man he killed. He doesn’t mention him at all.

What a joke. Study after study has shown that the death penalty is more expensive than simply putting the person in jail for life, and that the death penalty has no deterrent effect.

This being said, it is incumbent on death penalty supporters to provide some reason why the death penalty is necessary, NOT on death penalty opponents to show why it is a bad idea. So far, no one has been able to give a good reason that stands up to public policy analysis (no, what the killer “deserves” doesn’t count).

That is really something to read. What passion and emotion. Imagine if as much thought had gone in to NOT committing the crime that got him to death row. It is a shame that some many people are waiting until after their crimes to start thinking.

While I understand how victims families can harbor resentment and hatred towards the people who have taken the lives of their loved ones, life does go on – as painful as it may be. I believe they need to read and to hear this message.

When I read this, my heart was beating fast and my stomach was in knots. I thought of my own mortality even though I hadn’t committed a crime such as Moreno had. I used to live in Texas, where practically one death row inmate is executed a week, and executions are laissez-faire. They are reported as the rest of the news is – almost casual. This account should be a wake up call to those both for and against the death penalty. I challenge all, regardless of opinion, to read this and think about their own mortality for a moment. Imagine going into an operating room knowing you won’t be coming out alive – this is what he experienced. I hope it makes us all think about how precious life is.

He should be praying. He should pray for forgiveness for the person he killed. He should pray for the family he hurt and the life he destroyed. The nuns should pray for the family to find solace and that this man repent. There is no remorse here, no regret for past transgressions. This prisoner is selfish and egotistical.

For the past 22 years he has lived off the hard earned money from law abiding US citizens. It is time. He should beg forgiveness and atone.

Without a care or concern, Mr. Moreno took another man’s life. He has now spent over half his life in prison awaiting his own execution. (The story, improperly in my mind, implies a linkage between Moreno’s “execution” of his victim and the state’s role as executioner in imposing capitol punishment. Moreno’s conduct was murder; the state’s role is to impose punishment suitable to the crime.)

Moreno’s letter clearly indicates that, literally as well as figuratively, gained religion as a direct result of his near brush with death. He likely felt no remorse when he committed his heinous act but, upon fear of death, he is now remorseful.

Although the anti-death penalty crowd likes to present studies showing that the death penalty is no deterrent to murder, clearly Mr. Moreno’s conduct and thoughts are directly affected as he contemplated his own mortality. For some “humane” reason, we shelter the public from the imposition of capitol punishment. This may be the real reason many, if not most, criminals fail to be deterred by capitol punishment – they see no direct linkage between thier crime and a punishment that is hidden and often imposed decades after the crime.

Perhaps if executions were shown on pay-per-view, and parents used these televised actions as a learning experience for their children – “See, THAT’S why you need to stay on the straight an narrow. ” – the most heinious of criminal acts would truly be prevented.

Where is the guilt? A murderer sent to death row, as the last seconds of his life tick away, does not feel guilty? Does not feel deserving? Lets face it. This man took the life of another. Nowhere in his writing does he even hint of sympathy for his victim or the victims family. Moreno demonstrates his inability to feel remorse, seeing the article is meant to show his “innocence.”

I am sure that, as he described, this was a horrible day for this man. To wake up and know that this is the day you will die has to weigh heavily on anyone, even the most hardened murderer. The relief of his stay has to be tempered by the fact that he will probably go through his drill again, and the next time there will probably not be a stay.

One thing that I can think of that would be more horrible is to be an innocent victim of crime. Minding your business one day, being kidnapped by some crazed teenager, who was apparently never taught right from wrong, hoping against hope that he will let you live, only to have your day culminate with this idiot shooting you in the head.

Another horrible thing would be to be the wife, or mother, father, or child of this victim. What a horrible day that is in someone’s life, when they are told that their love one, who is such a big part of their life, that they love and have raised, or are raising kids with, or whose life is dependent on this person, that some maniac took it upon himself to decide that you don’t have that person in your life any more.

I wonder if this group, deathwatchjoural, would post a detailed account, if it were available, of what a family member goes through on the day they find out that their loved one was ruthlessly murdered, or what they go through every day for the rest of their lives. To me this convicted murder’s plight pales in comparison.

These criminals must be made to pay for their crimes and must be removed, permanently, from our society. Thank God that Texas is one of the few states that is willing to carry out the wishes of its voters and execute (no pun intended) the sentences against these convicted murderers so that men like Jose Moreno do not have the opportunity to shatter other innocent victims lives.

I wish that the state that I call home, California, would follow the majority of its voters wishes and do the same.

WOW! Is all I can think of.

He should be scared at his execution. Dying is permanent. I am sure the man he kidnapped and murdered was scared to, thinking he was going to die. Unfortunately this kidnapped man did not get a stay of execution. And just as unfortunately this murderer did. It seems the unmerciful culprits always seem to get the mercy but never give it to their victims. I read somewhere that mercy is for the merciful, it’s truly unfortunate that the unmerciful keep getting that which they don’t deserve.

Amazing story but, when all is said and done I can’t help but think of the man Mr Moreno murdered and the fact that he never had the chance to purge,mediate,contemplate or figure any thing out. I wonder, was he allowed to pray? I know he was never able to say goodbye to the people he loved and I’m sure all of the thing’s he did in his life were leading him to something else besides a bullet in the head. I think the fact that the process takes time, time enough for a man to fear GOD and the unknown is something deserved. I find it interesting that not once did this man mention his victim during this time–maybe he will next time.

Although I pray for this man I wonder how his victim must have felt? There were no phone calls, no pastries, no cigerettes, no meeting with a sprirtual advisor. As I read I understand the calcitrance felt by this man but at this point isn’t it just a little misdirected? Shouldn’t he be praying for his victim, not himself?

I’m praying for the victim and his family while also praying that there really is a place called hell for this convict to go when he finally gets his earthly justice.

So let me see if I’ve got this straight. This guy was given treats, goodies, phone calls, told “thanks for being a man about this”, and came to some sort of epiphany about how close he came to his own death but has yet to understand that these were all gifts his victim never benefited from? Did the man he held a gun to get a chance to make a few last phone calls? Di the man he held a gun to get to “pig out” on sweets? Did the man he held a gun to get a chance to write a letter to his friends? No.

I have a hard time with the death penalty and will reserve my comments on that. What really ticks me off is not once does this man realize what he took away from someone else. Who’s the victim here?

very interesting perspective. Definitely never have heard it from their side of the story. What did upset me from the guy’s letter, is that not at any point he felt remorse for the crime that got him there in the first place? anyways, great article! and great insight.

Not once, did this cold blooded killer mention the victim and the family in his banter and sob story. What about the family that has endured years of agony over this animal? He should have worried about the “Devine Providence” and forgiveness long before he saw the “Chamber”. He proves he is only thinking of his “poor mistreated self” to the very end. It goes to show that they all get religion in prison.

This man is a murderer. Do you think we should feel sorry for him? I don’t. Do you think that he learned a lesson from the years that have passed since his crime. I don’t care.

Honestly, I feel that if he had killed my son, husband, cousin, I would have devastated that he got a stay of execution.

It is fine to not believe that the death penalty is fitting, and humane; but I ask you, if the victim were your loved one, would you still be so inclined to read this account with sympathy?

“Moreno kidnapped a man and murdered him with a bullet to the head.” – What about that man’s last minutes? Was he prepared, allowed to talk to his family before the end, given a last meal? Sounds like the killer is getting more than he deserves.

Wow. I just spent the last fifteen minutes reading this and it really made me think about what kind of a country we live in today. It’s easy to distance yourself from cold blooded murders like Moreno- death is justice, a life for a life- but when I read this letter, I almost started to cry. What he did is awful and unforgivable, but I believe that the government should be the bigger person and stop acting like the criminals it murders. There is no question that Jose Moreno should never be allowed out of prison, but killing him- especially in the systematic, chilling way described here- is just wrong. I know that many people, especially whose loved ones have been killed by someone like Moreno, feel that putting these criminals to death is only a small form of justice. I completely understand that view, but when you start to realize that these murderers in the newspapers are people- people who have made terrible mistakes, but people just the same- it seems a lot harder to feel comfortable with putting them to death. Could you be the one to push the needle in? I know that I couldn’t.
This story has really inspired me to look for ways I can help end the cruelty of capitol punishment. Thank you for opening my eyes.

It is great to hear that a criminal like this cries cowardly before his execution. Kind of mimics the cowardly act he committed in 1986. The only sad part though about this story, is the fact that tax payers have to pay for people like this to have new mattresses, sheets, pillow cases, and “goodies” like cookies, buns, rolls, pastries, etc. Even worse is the fact that some genius granted this guy a stay to further prolong this nonsense. This guy ended a persons change in 1986 of enjoying life’s “goodies”. This guy deserves nothing more from here on out other than the chair he will inevitably sit in.

I’m mildly surprised that this account was originally posted on an anti-death penalty weblog, because it is clear that the impending death penalty had a profound beneficial effect on this man that nothing else could accomplish – to get the man to take his own life and actions seriously. He thought he was about to meet God, and that scared him; not so much the fact that he was going to physically die. It shows that the fear of accountability to God can be a greater motivator than the fear of accountability to man. And that’s why the death penalty accomplishes something that no other penalty can. Statistics tell us that 1% of the US population is incarcerated. We all have read news stories of how many of these inmates are unrepentant for their crimes. Detroit’s former mayor is in jail right now, and many expect he will leave jail as the proud, unrepentant man that went in. I think Moreno’s story is a lesson for everyone, not just a murderer on death row. At some point, we all need to get serious about what our life’s meaning and purpose is, and adjust our actions accordingly. Sometimes, nothing but the prospect of death will sober a man. Thanks for posting this.

Now thats deep and a really good reality check!

He knew the price. You take a life, you should be prepared to give your life in return. Its not a difficult concept nor is lethal injection inhumane.
It was a much more peaceful way to die than my loved ones were given

Are we supposed to feel sorry for this guy? He acts as though he should be treated like royalty and coddled. Did he care at all about the person he brutally murdered to get himself into this situation?

you took my breath away!

To bad he got a stay. Just another murderer sucking up all of our tax payer money. Lets get this over with and get him in the ground. That poor man’s family that was killed. My thoughts are with them. Not with the killer who did it.

I’m glad Mr. Moreno learned something from his experience, but I was very disappointed that I didn’t see one word written about how the man he killed must have felt prior to his death. About how frightened he was and when he would die. Somehow, that didn’t cross Mr. Moreno’s mind when it was his time. He only thought about himself and what would he say to God and how would it feel to die. I don’t feel sorry for him. He still doesn’t get it. Why he’s there, what he did, and what torment he caused the person he killed and his family.

Love to get the story from the other side. Maybe you can do an interview with Jose’s victim. Oh…wait. That person is dead. I didn’t hear much from him as to what maybe his victim felt in this story. Next time I see a headline that reports to give some insight from the killers view of his pending death I’ll know exactly what to do. Move on to another article

Wow, that really opened my eyes to what they go through. At least this individual sounds like he has remorse for what he did.

WOW! What a story. I’ve heard people describe what happens during an execution, but this is the first time I’ve heard it narrated by someone who was actually going through it. Sad.

I’d like to know the thoughts of the kidnapped man Jose took and then shot and killed. What was running through his mind to be taken hostage and not knowing if he’d live or die and then right before he was shot – did he know it was coming? How about giving us some details on what the victim went through CNN?

I have zero sympathy for Jose – his actions in taking another man’s life is what brought him to the death chamber – my only wish was that he did not receive a stay. He didn’t give the man he killed a chance so why should we? Enough of these stories that try to portray the criminal as a victim – the true victim was the person he shot and the family and friends left behind.

While all of this is moving, did his victim get to have all of this? Did he get to have a last meal, talk on the phone and smoke? Was he given access to a Chaplin to talk to? Was everything explained to him to try and help him understand? Was he given medication so that his dying would be less painful? Lets not forget why this man is on death row, he kidnapped a human being and then shot him.

Wow. I have a brother on TX death row who is actually mentioned in this letter. As a family member who has dreaded curiosity as to what will one day come to pass, this letter is an eye opener. I am grateful to this man for writing it, and to CNN for publishing it.

All those words and not one of remorse for what he did. I bet he didn’t give one of those privileges he received to his victim. We are way to good to people who are as evil as Jose Moreno. You can’t really call him a psychopath because obviously he has feelings, for himself. Please put a bullet to his head like he did his victim and move on.

Does he want us to feel sorry for him or even compassion? He said: “It was at this point that it all made sense to me and I was more scared than I’ve ever been in my whole life.” He then goes on to say: “I realized …… no one was going to be there with me…… Even if my family could hold me at the moment, I was making this journey by myself.” How does he think his victim felt? You notice that not once did he ever say he felt sorry for what he’d done, or that he realised finally how his victim must have suffered. He says: “Nothing but first-class treatment.” He didn’t give that luxury to his victim. No I feel no compassion or sympathy for Moreno.

I can’t help but wonder if the guy he kidnapped and put a bullet through his head had the same thoughts and feeling right before his death? I’m struck by how the victim wasn’t allowed a last meal, cigerette or was allowed to make a final phone call to his loved ones. I don’t believe in capitol punishment but this does make me pause and think of the victim, I wonder what was going through his mind right before his death.

Like deforge said…I’d like to see “My Execution: Seen through the Victim’s Eyes” or “How the Victim’s Family Copes with someone who was needlessly taken away from them”

I have no remorse for this guy who killed another person. He got what was coming to him.

I too want to here about this “stay”. My surprise was he’s 40 something now and he committed the murder when he was 18. Why wasn’t he executed at least within 5 years after he was brought up on charges? He got over 20 yrs of taxpayers dollars to sit, eat, and talk to people in jail. It disgusts me he’s even allowed to do those things in jail where as his victim is six feet under.

Jail is supposed to reform people? I think not…look at who you are surrounded by in jail…OTHER FELONS JUST LIKE YOU IF NOT WORSE.

This article is most likely written by a liberal. I hope the victims family reads this and savors every moment this murderer was “scared” or whatever.

Odd Story

Now publish a letter form the victim’s family. Let’s have both sides. It’s called, ballanced reporting.

I am shocked by the amount of hate filled vengence on this site. The death penalty is never justified and should be unconstitutional. Why? Because it is subjective…it is not applied to everyone who commits the same crime. I can’t believe that everyone on this site in favor of the death penatly believes that everyone, no matter the circumstances, convicted of murder should be sentenced to death. The think it is a much worse punishment to have to spend the rest of your life in jail than to be put to death. The government does not have the right to determine who lives or dies. Period. It makes us no better than the Chinese or Saudis.

Towards the end he lists many things he reflected on before and after his stay… but he never once mentions the man he murdered, never expresses remorse. He’s a rotten, self-centered killer. I hope the next time there is no stay.

Why, may I ask, is this “worth a read?”

You all have to remember that this man was a boy (18 years old) when he murdered another person. His days of remorse are far behind him trying to cope with the prison system. Since when have all of you had the right to be so judgmental? This is what this man (bad or good) is warning you about. You must make peaceand rectify your judgmentalism, anger, cynicism, inaction, meanness, dishonesty, and complete lack of empathy and spiritualism. This has doomed us as a collective.

Gripping! but so is his picture.. it’s said the eyes are the mirror of the soul.. The eyes have it and the ‘Ayes’ had it right.. he should have been executed. Lethal Injection for someone with no remorse for the life he took is the easy way. The electric chair is one hellva lot more intimidating than an IV .. but not as intimidating as maybe he should die as his victim did.

I think many of the readers are missing the point of this article. It is indeed a horrible thing he did and I too feel no sympathy for this guy. He got what he deserved. However, this article is not about the victim, apologies, or even why he did what he did. I myself thought this is an opportunity to peer into the final moments of a person faced with the ending of his life. With nothing more than the movies to depict the finial moments of a death row inmate, you are left with an inaccurate account with what really happens. This article was both informative and inspiring. Like someone else noted, it brings into prospective your choices and how they effect you down the road. Everyone can appreciate the message he gives in the end. Don’t let yourself get distracted with all the worldly temptations that surround you everyday. Stay focused and get yourself prepared.

I have no sympathy for this man.

That is a very interesting letter but it does not change my thoughts on the death penalty at all. If you kill someone – you deserve no less than what that person received at your hands. If it isn’t that person’s day to die – God will intervene like he did in this case. I believe God knew he was scared and gave him a moments grace to dwell on why he was scared and to learn how not to be. Now he is ready for when his time with the death chamber does come and he should find that comforting during those last moments.

Yes, what about his victim. He didn’t care about his feeling, family or last meal. Just shot him, poor victim, thats who I feel sorry for. Probably didn’t even feel remorse. We all must pay for what we do.

Who cares if he has a stressful time, an awakening of conscience, or an epiphany…he needs to just die and be quiet about. im not interested in his drivel.

Why give him a new bed and top of the class dinner.
His last meal should be toilet water and, road killed possum

Now Fry scum

Concern for the victim and his family is warranted, of course, but just because this letter does not demonstrate the killer’s remorse does not mean he lacks that emotion. If Moreno finally found God through this experience and truly repents for his sins, what right do you have to judge him? Remember Jesus chose to eat with the unclean and face criticism from the Pharisees, because it is those sinners who need Him most. We are all sinners and need to think twice before casting the first stone.

Paul B., what about all those convicted by a jury of their peers, only be be later granted freedom after DNA evidence proved innocence? Our death penalty system is broken in many, many ways, and eliminating appeals would only make it worse.

While I in no way condone the actions of this individual I am one who is not in favor of the death penalty. Yes i have had family members who have been murdered so i understand the pain the family goes through. I for one am very happy he found ” what this is all about”. I don’t blame him for thinking of himself in this instance, the reason most of us do the things we do, and also the reason we don’t do certain things is because of our faith and what we want. Those of us who believe in God want to be with God when our time comes and that’s what governs most of our actions. Had this man found that realization earlier we would have one more person amoungst us. His victim. It’s very important that we continue to put these types of stories out. If one person who is traveling down the same road as this man and faced with the same decision as this man, but decides otherwise, I have no problem with that decision being made because that person is either afraid of God or wants to spend his eternity with God.

Obviously none of you have ever been on the other side. This man has a family that has suffered just as much and none of it was their fault. It’s never right to take another’s life and I believe in the death penalty….if it’s proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Moreno’s family has suffered far more than the victim’s family. There is no closure for the “other victims” of this crime, the family of the condemned. They suffer forever and you’ll never understand that unless you’ve been there.

No sympathy here. I’m sure his fear was nothing compared with the fear his victim felt. Did he let his victim call loved ones and smoke cigarettes and consult with a spiritual adviser before he shot him to death?? This murderer was given a second chance (for now) that his victim’s loved ones will never be given.

He will continue to be narcissitic because that’s his nature and what drove him to kill, getting something he wanted and no one was going to tell him “no.” I’m so sick of people like this being allowed to take up space and money for 22 years while their victims have turned to dust. He ceased to be a human being when he pulled that trigger.

An eye for an eye! my heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. I have no remorse for the person who rapes, tortures, kills etc.

Yeah amazing that while he is going on about all the clean clothes and sheets and great food and chance to speak to chaplins to help ease him into being calm about dying he doesn’t ever mention that he has any remorse over his victim having nothing even REMOTELY close to that during his last moments. He thinks he is terrified –at least he knows minute by minute what is going to happen to him– that poor victim, whose name he doesn’t even have the guts to say, was probably more terrified since he didn’t have all those luxeries! This article is horrible because they are trying to get us to feel sorry for this man who obviously feels no remorse no shame or guilt. Hopefully his stay will be lifted and they can put him to death even if it is a more humane death than his victim had, whose name by the way is Juan Cruz and he was killed for $30,000 in ransom money.

The article is titled “My Execution: Seen Through the Killer’s Eyes”. There are other articles, I’m sure, on the crime itself, the court proceedings, etc. This is just a look at the last moments on death row….why are you people looking for things in this that shouldn’t and wouldn’t be here? It isn’t about how he now feels about what he did or what happened…it’s simply about those last moments on the way to execution in prison.

Anyone not moved by this is heartless. The US (and any country that continues to execute people) is sick, and needs to step into the 21st century with the rest of the civilized world and end this madness….and…I can say without hesitation that anyone involved in the execution process is also a murderer…why should they not be executed as well??? When does it end?

Sorry, no sleep loss here. I feel only the loss for the victims family, not his loss or suffering. You reap what you sow and people make choices, good or bad and must live with the consequenses.

Looks like someone cut off his ear. Isn’t that payment enough? And they won’t fry him. They will kill him by lethal injection. Either way – do it soon so we can stop paying for him to stay alive!!!!

The article is not about the victim in this crime. It’s about the execution process and what happens during that process and how some find God, even at the last moment.

OMG! I’m so glad to see so many other comments that fit exactly with my thoughts. That’s exactly what I heard – ME ME ME. Not one of his thoughts was on the victim. In his final moments, or near final, it never dawned on him to consider what that man, he murdered, went through in his final moments. He didn’t say anything about the lack of time to pray or meditate he allowed the man he stalked and killed. Nothing about how scared that man must have been. Or how he didn’t allow him time to say good bye to loved ones. Jose you’ve gotten better treatment and respect as you neared death than you gave and deserve. I bet your victim is standing beside God to greet you on your final day and that’s the extent of seeing God you’ll have.

The victim was – Juan Cruz of San Antonio.

I hope that the would be killer read this and think if they will give the “last meal” the last “table of goodies” the last “chaplain” and the chance to say good bye option to their victims. Death penalty is bad but is worse to kill somebody so if you are thinking of killing just weight your consequences.

Sounds like he got too nice of a ride. Think of how much cash this slime cost the public and his victim. Agony and pain as well as funds that could’ve been used to house/feed/insure poor, elderly and disabled, instead of this sewage. His execution will improve the planet.

Flush him.

Not even a word to his victims family. He should been put to death and
so that the victim’s would see that his picture and his words are read by people

It is funny how this guy never considered giving his victim all these wonderful chances.

To say it was divine providence is inane.

If any of you really believe in a god then, it would be clear the divine providence should go to the victim!!!!!

Not the moron that took the life.

Give me a break.

Let me pull the switch or administer the drugs and if divine providence is on this guys side then he will not die will he.

I’ll take that bet.

To bad we can’t hear from the guy he shot…ohhhh that’s right HE IS DEAD! So sad ask us if we care…NOT

I am shocked to see all these comments, arent democrats usually against the death penalty and for the killing of innocent babies instead?

It was a very interesting letter. He claimed he was coming to terms with GOD, but he never once came to terms with what his victom felt or thought during his last moments before being executed.

When Moreno’s time comes to an end, maybe he’ll think and pray for the one he murdered, but somehow I don’t think he has it within him.

Capitol punishment is not (just) about revenge, it is (also) about threat reduction. If and when the state finally disposes of the miscreant, it is a sure and certain fact that they’ll not commit any crimes against anyone ever again. Even “life without parole” does not ensure this, as they’re “free” to commit crimes against their fellow inmates.

It sound like this one could not face the potential of his own extinction and, like so many others, turned to religion in the belief that something of him will survive when his body here dies. One wonders if he gave his victim that same opportunity.

The reporters going out and taking time to follow the foot steps to a killer (There last days) Shame, Shame !!Giving them all this attention!
Making them out to be Celebrities!! Someone should monitor you! Your probably a fan and maybe someone who needs a thrill..your [probably going to become murders your self! The victims are the one’s who need to be remebered! Not the Jerks who stole there life!!

The tongue the smallest member, cannot be tammed and full of deadly poison. You cannot experience such things let alone write such things without feeling remorse. The sobbing was because of the murder committed that is what caused the fear of God. He did the right thing and that was to prepare others to face up to what they have done and prepare for the hereafter. I think we all should take notice especially considering the venom I have read in your comments thus far. Don’t be ignorant and decieve yourselves into thinking you have a better chance at getting into heaven than he does.

Gabriel you should be ashamed for printing this garbage! This killer has no remorse for his victim and is only thinking about himself. Poor baby having to be searched and transferred to another building for the execution. He shouldn’t even be given a phone to use and a huge last meal to gorge on. Wah, Wah, Wah!!

Perhaps the greatest justice is the fact that this man now realizes that he will die cold and alone, just as his victim did. Pastries, phone calls to ex-girlfriends and new linens cannot numb him to this.
Let him stew in this torturous realization for awhile. He will be gone soon and no one will care.

Isn’t that wonderful? This MURDERER gets to fill in details so there won’t be any surprises for his killer buddies when their turn comes — how truly touching. Where is the victim’s last day chronicled? What was poor 18-year old John Cruz thinking that fateful day when Moreno kidnapped the college student, took him to a pre-dug grave, and put a bullet in his head? Where was Cruz’s chance to write a goodbye to his family and friends? He didn’t get a last meal request, or get to make phone calls, or even have that coffee/tea/juice and donut platter that Moreno received. Clean sheets? No, just a hole in the ground that Moreno then covered with trash to hide the grave. Cruz didn’t get to live another 21 years either like this piece of trash did. He didn’t get to imbibe in all the “parties” and goodies that this thug did. No, while he was lying dead in his grave, this worthless criminal was calling his family and demanding a ransom for him. Young Cruz is only the victim we know about; were there others? Maybe. Certainly there would have been if Moreno hadn’t been caught. And what’s he done since that time besides party with his jailhouse buddies and abuse “substances”? Well, while awaiting trial, weapons were found in his jail cell. He was violent with jailers and threatened them, jammed his cell door, used paper clips to free himself and others from handcuffs (giving him the nickname “Houdini”), and he collected a bunch of live spiders including a black widow–luckily, these were discovered in jars in his cell before he could throw them in someone’s face or use them for some other nefarious purpose. So I don’t really care what his “last” day is like — compared to the last day of his victim’s life, it sounds pretty damn good, and far better than he deserves.

I think its incredible how some have responded. I think its a horrible thing this man did. I have absolutly no sympathy towards this man in any way. Except maybe the life he led from birth on up. “Boo-Hoo’s” and “Wah-Wah’s.” Whats that all about anyway. Being in that situation is most likely the craziest, most frightning situation ever. No one can even imagine. Alot like the way his victim was killed. It wasnt right. You know whats funny? I have read what everyone has and will read, my reaction was nothing like any of the up above. Vendictive! Its not up to us to judge anyone. Who cares what our opinions are. It doesnt matter. All I can say is I wish the best for the victims family in replace of the lack of respect our killer here has. All I can say is I’m sorry for everyone involved.

Why did this guy get a stay in the first place.?I might have felt sorry for him (just a little), except for the fact that he showed no remorse for his crime; no apology, no nothing. Wonder if he ever gave one second of thought to how the man that he kidnapped and MURDERED felt in his last moments of life. The VICTIM should have gotten the stay…not this guy!

Maria

No remorse, no thoughts outside of himself, he didn’t find God, he mistakenly took his fear of death for God. Had he actually found God, he would be apologizing for the “man” he killed as so many others have said here. This is riveting? Watching the toilet flush is more riveting and accomplishes more.

Have to agree, this guy is no saint…
“Moreno was convicted of capital murder in the shooting death of Juan Cruz of San Antonio on January 22, 1986. Cruz was kidnapped and then shot to death in a scheme by Moreno to demand ransom from the victim’s family.
Moreno told police that he abducted Cruz because he heard his family had a lot of money. He said he demanded $30,000 from the family after he had driven the victim to an open grave and shot him in the head. “

interesting perspective. now toast him.

“Instead of indulging in these materialistic gifts the state of Texas was using to distract me, I should have been on my knees praying. At about 3, the chaplain old me I got a stay, all my privilges immediately got taken away, and I was still reeling from the shock when Michelle Lyons came in and started asking me questions for the media. On the ride back, I realized that I almost died outside the grace of God.”

Where is our compassion? Christ showed compassion to sinners (thank God), why can’t we? To those of you who assume he feels no remorse… the above quote I provided from the article STATES that he wasn’t afraid of dying…..except for doing so outside the grace of God. He says he realized that instead of using material distractions, that he should have been “focused”, and down on his knees praying…. Obviously for FORGIVENESS! You don’t pray for forgiveness without remorse.

I have to believe that this moving letter was not written in vain, or simply to “describe” the logistics of the execution process for his buddies. He bared his soul, that he might save another sinner from dying “outside the grace of God.” Who are we to judge that?

I truly beleive in the concept of “take a life, give a life.”
If you commit a Hideous Murder. Im not talking about drinking and driving. I’m talking about this multiple out of control right out of a movie type of murders, and all the evidence points clearly to you. Right after trial you should be put to death. There is no reason to take tax payers money for the next 30 years to keep alive a person that clearly doesnt deserve it. There shouldnt be any costly appeals or second chances.
Those type of criminals should be taken directly to the Death Chamber.

Ya he was a bad guy in life he killed another human without feeling sorry for it he was not that nice. in the end he asked for fogivness with no remorse. its sad really. but each and every person deserves forgivness. not once but over and over and over again. death penelty is weak. no one should be killed they should have to live with what they have done. and if they truely feel sorry and remorseful they should be forgiven. even if you people dont forgive him God will. God is just but he is forgiving. murder is a sin and is punished by God just as severly as someone who lies or say the lords name in vain. but even the liars will be forgiven if they ask and really feel bad and try to never do it again.

The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who will proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation. A sign of hope is the increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil. Modern society has the means of protecting itself, without definitively denying criminals the chance to reform. I renew the appeal I made most recently at Christmas for a consensus to end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary. (Pope John Paul II, St. Louis, MO, January 1999)

I’m sure the man he killed would have enjoyed years of notice, brand new accomodations, first-class treatment, etc.

Too bad the victims of these people spend their last day in fear and tremendous pain.

Morally, I do not object to the death penalty. In fact, people who commit atrocities should be reimbursed fully for their efforts…You rape, you get raped, you torture, you get tortured, etc.

However, legally, our system does not work. It is biased and until the day when every murderer, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion gets their fair share of justice, I will not condone the death penalty system.

I agree with the majority of the comments on here about the fact that we should not feel sorry for this man. He made a choice and must live (whatever time he has left) with the consequences.

However, this should not be the focus here. The focus should be as we read this, that every decision we make has consequences and we must be prepared to deal with them when we make those choices. Read about the desciptions of the prison, the death chamber and those events and persons around this man. Imagine that you made a wrong choice and this is your outcome.
If you can imagine this, truly imagine it, do you think that perhaps next time a potentially volitile situation in your life may arise that you may be less likely to act on emotion knowing what the outcome for you could be?

Total agreement with all remarks prior to mine. No name or circumstances of the victim, 20+ years he’s lived past his crime, no empathy for the family of the victim. Many, many people are fed up with the “system of justice” and they don’t really care what he thinks or his perspective of his deathwatch trip. Maybe he’ll like his next one a little better, ya think??

GREAT! now can the anti-death penalty group please bring the person who Moreno murdered back to life and wipe away the sorrow and difficulties that person’s family went through all this time ? Can Moreno do it ? Can the god he was talking about do anything about it ? Is it so easy to get away from murdering others just by talking about god ?

Does CNN, or people who fought to get the stay order or the anti-death penalty group have a record of the last minutes of the man who Moreno murdered ? Do you have the record of all the suffering that person’s family is going through all their life ? Have any of you been helping his family all along ? How you are filling the gap of losing a son/husband/brother/father ?

I believe, like many fashion fads anti-death penalty movement is another one which fades away when one of their own family members is mugged or brutally murdered by low life creatures.

The thing that I got from this is that this person did not have any self-control or empathy for anyone or anything else in the world until he was forced to face, minute by minute, the finality of his own life. If we could clarify the usefulness of this situation to penetrate the otherwise patholigical mindset of people in prison, perhaps there is a useful purpose. Perhaps we could learn how to treat lack of concern for others early in life before it ends in tragedy for the truly innocent victims.
I identify with many of the comments. I don’t think a cold-blooded killer needs our sympathy, treats, phone calls, or anything else that thier victim didn’t get. I also cringe when I think how many innocent humans have been executed by a flawed system. Even one is too many. Personally I am in favor of life in solitary for capital offenses. I think a guilty person would lose their mind and that the innocent would always hold out belief in technology that could someday free them – as DNA technology has for many.

I am rolling my eyes so hard at some of these comments I may just get a headache. You didn’t pull the trigger like Moreno but you’re just as quick to inject the serum.

Parrishon,

We have a MUCH better chance of getting into heaven ( if it exists, other than in the head). You see, WE didn’t kill anyone.
This scumbag deserves to spend eternity feeling like he did that day, minus the cookies!
He should be tortured for months until he breathes his last breath.
Now THAT would be justice. I wouldn’t mind funding that.

Wow…to read so many comments about how we don’t feel sorry for the death row inmate…I have to agree, he killed someone in a horrible fashion, and that victim did not get all the perks this guy gets while on death row. But here is the real deal. As much as we HATE this murderer…wouldn’t you agree that he, as well as other death row inmates, still the children of God.
I recently lost my father in a fatal car accident…I look at life and death in different perspective now. Sure I believe in an “Eye for an Eye”, but who is the government to play God by lethal injection? What’s wrong with letting this person rot in prison without the “perks”. I think death is way out from the capsule of our bodies. We leave behind all our worries and concerns. Shouldn’t he be stuck here on earth to relive all of his stupid, careless, inhumane acts and pray that his concious eats him alive. The government can put to death a murderer but they can’t/won’t castrate a sick pedophile…those are the guys that should be put in “Bubba’s” cell.

Why, why, why are we giving this man the attention he doesn’t deserve!! No remorse at the end. Typical mind of a killer. Gas him. Period.

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.

I won’t even read it. I simply do not care what the jerk off was feeling or thinking when he thought he was going to die. So what? He’s a worthless steaming pile of Sugar Honey Ice Tea. And from I read in the comments you wouldn’t learn about his victim. Wish he didn’t get the stay. He needs to do some good by becoming fertilizer or worm food.

Whosoever sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed.

Why should I give a flip about this scumbag’s musings? Anderson Cooper, why don’t you do a blog about the family of the victim instead of one on this piece of trash? Moreno’s had over 22 years to hang with his homeys on Death Row; the same 22 years that the victim’s been in the ground.

What about the VICTIM of this animal?! Did he get a last meal or phone call to a loved one?
NO HE DID NOT!! I believe in an eye for an eye.
They should have taken him out back of the death house and put a bullet thru his head without warning.
Just snatch him out of his cell and blow his brains out just like he did to the VICTIM!!!!

he should be cooked to a well done crispy fritter by now. what a waste of taxpayer money. fry him already!

There’s a whole lot of self-righteousness being flung around here. I wonder how many of the posters fancy themselves as “good Christian folk”. Personally, I prefer not to “cast the first stone”.

As for Jose Moreno, well, in the words of Oscar Wilde: “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future”.

And before the peanut gallery starts firing quips about how short Jose’s future may be, consider this: and entire life can be lived within the scant of a minute… or wasted over the reach of years.

I am not qualified to mete justice; and I feel no need to cast vengeance on Jose. I only wish him luck, and the blessings of the Creator.

He killed a young man named John Cruz. It wasnt in the heat of the moment it was planned. He dug a grave, ambushed and kidnapped Mr. Cruz brought him to the grave and shot him in the back of the head. Then he called the Cruz family and asked for a 30 thousand dollar ransom.

ok, hearin from a man who almost died is a new insight. i never would have thought that was the process just for killing someone.

as for all of you who want this man to die, you are no better than him! killing ANY man, woman, or child is wrong.
I say put him in a hole and make the people who want him to live support him: bring him food, clothing, smokes, ect.

Scumbag – nothing said about the person he murdered. Typical of a psycopathic murderer. Justice has been served. By the way, CNN, let’s run a story about the victim’s last few minutes on Earth.

The death penalty is such a tough topic. I believe some crimes warrant death, while others are questionable. In this case, this guy took an innocent life with no remorse…pretty black & white to me.

whatever. Lets print some remembrance about the victim in this case. I could care less about how frightening or life changing this was for Moreno. Execute this moron already.

NJdude-

Ignorance is no excuse and thank you so much for making my point.
You proved me right. Once again don’t think just because you haven’t killed anyone you have a better chance of getting into heaven than he does.

I’ve always been against the death penalty. That said, I feel sorrier for the person you murdered than you. Murder is always wrong, whether it is an individual or the state.

I hope and pray he truly is saved now.

With that said though, there are consequences for his sin. He killed another… Anyone heard of Thou Shall Not Kill? He was handed the death penalty for his crime against man and his crime against God. Regardless of one’s repentance, there are consequences for one’s sin.

Every man, woman, and child has the opportunity to get into heaven. Heaven is as real as hell folks. God doesn’t look at sin and decide which sin is worse. Sin is sin in God’s eyes. Only man decides which sin is worse, but it’s a pointless effort to do so. At the end of the day, we don’t judge each other (Thank God!), but rather God himself does. It’s his thoughts of us at the end of our life matters.

I pray this man accepted that Jesus is the Christ & that he was baptized (not sprinkled, but dunked as Jesus was) in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit. I pray not only that, but in his final days he lived as a Christian should. Regardless of this man’s sin, if he truly was repentful God will see it fit to open those gates to him. If he wasn’t though & just feelin’ the moment, then Hell is where he’ll go & only he’s to blame, not God.

I don’t judge this man. I am not his judge, jury, and executioner at the end of his days. God is and if he speaks truth in his letter, he realizes that. I won’t hear many amens, but AMEN.

If it were shown that he’d kill again I’d agree with you all about “fry him” and all of that but he seems to have found what he was looking for to turn his life around. And isn’t that the original purpose of prison…or “correctional facilities”…to get people to learn the error of their ways and change?

What an interesting perspective we’ve never heard before.

There should be consequences… I feel no sympathy for a man who values money over human life— hope they get this one rescheuled ASAP.

Wow… I mean…. WOW!!!

Talk about a deathbed conversion… he was literally hours away from execution. The scary thing to contemplate is everyone is literally a heartbeat away from death. I’ve had my heart flatline twice when I was a young man and this truth has never escaped me since.

I’m not saying this man should be spared due to his newfound enlightenment. I’m saying, due to his new understanding, execution is not the spector of punishment for him that it once was. Remember, all of the saints of the bible were terrible men at one point or another. Moses was a murderer, Abraham commited adultery as did David, and Solomon worshiped false gods.

The very words of judgement we pronounce against this man do infact condemn us. This man already stands guilty and will pay for his crimes. At least he’ll just be paying in this life rather than the next.

I weep for my generation. I pray God’s Mercy.

-Jason

If he supposedly was so afraid of God, then that is a good thing, but if he supposedly received the Grace of God, it did not show. No remorse, only detailing what he was going through. Once you receive the that great spiritulal grace from God, you no longe rthink baout yourself, you repent and you want yo make the wrong right and you want to do what is right by the ones you have wronged. I am sorry, but this man didn’t sound like someone just saved by the grace of my Almighty God.
The fear he said of God was not told to the ones he wrote this letter to, only the fear of the situation.
Hopefully this victim’s family will have closure and can move on because thsi man has NO remorse!!

After reading all comments, I wonder which commentator is perfect and without sin???? Don’t think they any of them, including me, qualifies as a righteous judge!!! None are perfect, no not one!!!!! If Moreno had a quick bump with reality, so be it!!! Yes he was 1 million percent wrong in his horrible action, yes he’s still alive. So what is it, he evolved into kidnapping/killing monster, that has evolved into a gurney laying, worthless piece of crap? Well your criticizims leave much to be desired. Eventhough he is straight crap, he did admit the presence of GOD, and mind you GOD is still in control whether you believe it or not!!!!! Moreno may have gotten a touch of what is really waiting for him!!! And you and all the other you’s cannot delve out enough had and punishment to satisfy the victims family!!!! Oh how quickly we judge!! No one deserves to die like the victim did, however, I do believe Moreno was asked to elaborate on his death row trip. And that’s what he did!!!!!!!!

Wow, what a waste of time. Can I have 3 minutes back from my life??? Time should not be spent on this waste of a human being. May God have no mercy on his soul. Society will be a better place without this animal.

My thoughts and prayers sent to the victim’s family and friends that they can have closure.

It is sad that you think this is worth reading, yet you don’t even both to mention anything about the poor innocent person he executed (who wasn’t fortunate enough to be distracted). Stop treating criminals as if they are celebrities and maybe there won’t be so many of them.

It was simply a story of his experience facing his own death. It wasn’t written to change our minds or judge him; it was his story; his own human fear. Enough with you people judging his lack of mentioning the victim. Its a tale from a viewpoint of a human narcicist! That is all. We’re not dealing with your average civilized human being, so why the angry disappointment caused by his lack of remorse (which we don’t really know)? If he were like you and I he wouldn’t be facing his death.

He got “VIP treatment”, the person that he killed got any of that?

He felt scared, cried,…….What about the victim that he killed, any consideration on what he had felt? or about the pain for the family?

Anybody that killed somebody should be put on death chair 1 year later, not 22 years later, so our taxes would be put on better use that mainten a criminal.

Everybody has to make decisions in life, on good times and bad times, that doens’t mean going around killing people, if You do that, sorry but that means You are a “piece of garbage” and are using a word “GOD” just to get more attention, because that what 90% of them do, “OH, I AM A SAINT NOW THAT I KNOW GOD”, and soons they are out on street, they do what they know best…….., kill, rape, robbery……….

.

I don’t believe what to think of the death penalty. One the one hand, no one should have the right to take someone’s life except God and we don’t want to do what these murderers have done: take a life. I believe it is a bad-enough punishment to be incarcerated for life than to be relieved early by the lethal injection. On the other hand, what goes around comes around, no?

The most chilling aspect of this account is that Moreno showed absolutely no remorse for the conduct that brought him to death row. He did not give the person he murdered fresh clothes, cigarettes, a spiritual advisor, or the decency of a last meal of his choice. His victim could not say any final goodbyes, nor did he have the benefit of a fan club prior to being silenced forever. It’s not surprising to learn that Moreno was frightened, but was his fear on the same level as that of his victim? I doubt it.

This letter made me sad. I see the same things that others saw… lack of remorse for his victim. I don’t, however, agree with our country in their views of killing prisoners. I feel as though it is a quick answer to rid out society of its symptoms, while ignoring the greater issues.

Though they are killers, someone loves them as well. They may have mothers, fathers, brothers, cousins and friends that are effected by Capital Punishment. More death does not resolve the issues.

What an incredible collection of nihilists and selftards. You fools are the reason we still deal with murder and psychopaths.

Until the reasons for murderous behavior are discovered, the pathology will never be understood, thus never treated and ultimately prevented.

I’m ashamed to live in a society with so many bloodthirsty howlers.

Again.

I read some of the comments and people are sooo quick to judge. I know this person killed someone else but the fact that he is in jail means he’s suffering and paying the price. The letter that i read was very disturbing and i can’t imagine what he’s going through and you people comment saying he should be fried?!! wow people are sooo cold hearted. everyone makes mistake, it dosint matter wether they kill or steal and just tell a lie, People all around the work make mistakes, but it takes allot, specially for a person that has the heard of killing someone else to realize their mistake and actually change for the better.

I am glad he chose to find GOD in his situation, but I dont feel for him. At least he was given the opptunity to find God to talk to his family one last time. That is something he never gave to the person he murdered.

Many of the people commenting here are missing the point of the article, the condemned isn’t providing anything but a narrative of his experience. I don’t see a request for leniency or forgiveness anywhere in the piece. The last mile, the last everything; for this man is the reason for the letter. Even though it was published here it isn’t very good, is it?

True enough, apparently he did nothing to help or comfort his victim but that wasn’t the purpose of the essay. If the stay is lifted and the sentence is executed the price for his willful treachery will be paid… in the mean time we have a short first person story. That’s all just a short story.

cali4me u speak like u know something of the bible and if you did GOD says to send the killer to him. that means the killer should be put to death….. If the death penalty were enforced as it should then there would be a lower rate of crime bc that would get the people that could get out and kill again off the streets and others may take a think twice mentality. but there are too many poor me babies out there that protect the garbage that murder..

I think we should bring back public executions and close circuit them back to death row so they can meditate on THAT. Make it pay per view and use those funds to avert the massive tax payer dollars we’re spending on countless appeals and housing for those who are killing us, the law abiding public.

I am upset that this man did not even say he was sorry for killing another human being. he only thought of himself. I am for the death penalty, i think he should be put to death for what he did in an execution style killing of mr. cruz. it funny everyone is always talking about the death row immates but no one talks about there victims. i understand this is only a story but it’s his story, and the sooner he is put to death the better off we are, i am sorry i don’t feel sorry one bit for these types of guys.

Wow,it’s nice to cheer the execution of another but be careful of what you wish for others that you don’t want for yourself.
We in society are no better than the person we want to execute because we hide behind the laws of the state but in the end you cannot hide from yourself.It has not been a deterrent to crime and is not cost effective.
Instead of perverting the word “justice”,call it what it is,revenge but remember to whom revenge belongs.There it is referred to as “vengance”
We as a nation should learn to respect all livesand until we do we are doomed because a large military does not cut it.Case in point,”Katrina”.
We stood by helplessly and useless until it was over.Got the message now?

I normally don’t show any compassion for a murder but it was good to hear the view from the other side. It sounded like he may have made progress and maybe he didn’t deserve to die for the acts he committed as a child. I don’t know truthfully and I still support the concept of the death penalty.

Hey, for all you ‘Christians’ out there, how about emulating Jesus for a minute? Didn’t He forgive a man on a cross beside him and promise that he will stand beside him in heaven? Shouldn’t we as Christians strive to behave in the same manner? Certainly, he should face justice for his sins, but let him ask for forgiveness. Leave the judgment up to God! Compassion isn’t reserved for the victims, but for everyone.

Who cares what he has to say about his treatment the day he should’ve died? If he wouldn’t have received a stay then it wouldn’t be worrying his poor little head right now because he would be dead. I think 22 years of living off of the tax payers money is long enough. Put him down now!!!

Next time…let’s just shoot him with about a 1/2 dose and then give him another reprieve….maybe just a little bit closer to death will make him remember his victim. Last meal?…cigs?…phone privileges?….I THINK NOT!

The only ‘cruel and unusual’ thing about the death penalty is that taxpayers are forced to foot the bill for the condemned for years on end. Too many of us can’t afford proper healthcare or college for our children, but we’re paying for murderers to have these benefits, and we don’t even have a choice about it.

After reading this article, it only further confirms my belief that to ease the discomfort of those who’ve been sentenced to die, we should NOT give them more creature comforts, more access to education, more access to anything. We should just install an express lane, and save ourselves some money… and their victims and victims’ families more heartache.

He didn’t give a second thought to the person he excecuted so I can’t see giving a second thought to what this murderer went through.

as a latino, i am ashamed of this man.
as a fellow human being, he had more opportunity to live, to say goodbye to those he loved, to eat and enjoy life than he gave his victim.
what sympathy should we have for him? what caring? what remorse over his death?
NONE.

Troy are you serious about your comments? You think we shouldn’t have the death penalty? I wonder if you would change your tune if one of your loved ones was murdered. I think it should be like the old days where we have public hangings and charge admission. There must be consequences for your actions and I’m sorry if you kill someone and it is cut and dry that you are guilty you should have to pay with your life. An eye for an eye right?

I’m and I’ve always been against the death penalty. It is not a deterrent for such a people. In his narcissistic letter his last thought has been for himself, not for his victim.
He should have been forgotten in the darkness of a strict jail for all his life.

I am glad that he was afraid. As far as the posts about how we lack compassion for the killer…well you are gosh-darn-tootin! This animal and others like him showed no compassion when he brutally murdered someone. There must be penalties to pay for your crimes. The punishment must also fit the crime. I personally do not see how getting 3 hots, a cot, medical care, and, apparently; internet access is “paying” for your crime. Prisoners are far better off than many people living in the United States. I am unapologetic about my lack of compassion for this beast.

Here is my perspective and thoughts.

What is you were Moreno or if you were the victim? Think of the reality of what Moreno went through and probably a majority of those who face death every day. Reading this made me think about his victim also. I wonder if his victim felt the same way and had the same thoughts.

Think about it this way. Has tomorrow been promised to everyone? How do you know that whenever you go to sleep tonight you will wake up tomorrow? We dont know but there is one thing we do, we have hope. Moreno found that hope and reading his letter I believe that. At least he has time to meditate on that hope. A lot of people dont but that is no excuse of not being ready. We all should be ready at any given time because we do not know the very next minute has for us. As I write this right now there is somebody in this world dying. Were they ready? That is only between them and GOD…

Let me get out my crying cloth. No mention was made of the violent death of the victim. He should have been hung immediately after sentencing….

I feel sorry for him but we all get what we deserve, he killed he gets killed that’s it….

Wow, I pity all of you, no wonder the USA is in such a sad state of affairs you all have extreme amounts of hate, your country is just so sad and pathetic, how many die on your streets daily there, fo rreally no good reason, how many parents there klill their children adn vice versa, how many corrupt people do you have, are any of you happy, really happy?

Why did he get a stay? What could possibly be a good reason to stop?

Just what I expected, no mention of the victim or of any real remorse for the pain he caused. If the criminal is looking for some kind of sympathy he won’t get it from me. Let him live in fear of his own execution date and of his own execution. Seems as fair punishment to me.

I think that most would agree that the death penalty should be reserved for only the most heinous of crimes. However, I’m not going to be the one to judge if this man’s crime would fit such a definition.

That being said, I am firmly against the death penalty and how the system plays it out. The condemned get automatic appeals that drag out for decades, and it is well documented that it is far cheaper and expedient to simply hold them for life. I have NO faith in a criminal system where the prosecutor holds all of the cards, routinely ignores evidence that doesn’t support their theory, and only cares about convicting anyone that they can prove, regardless of guilt or innocence.

Remember, this is Texas where tons of convictions, even murders, have been overturned. This is where DA kick and scream that the inmate was convicted by a jury, not matter what the DNA or the truth says. How many innocent men have we put to death?

It’s shameful that he did not mention the man he murdered or his family. Sometimes I think the old days were better. There were no 10 to 20 year appeals or living off law abiding tax payer money.

There is no point in presenting Moreno’s letter. Regardless of the epiphany he claims he is still the same self-absorbed murderer he has been for the last 22 years. He shows neither remorse nor contrition for his heinous crime, just some recognition of God born out of the fear he senses over his own death. In spite of, and perhaps because of this letter documenting his experience with the death chamber, Moreno makes an excellent case for the death penalty.

I cannot believe some of the responses I’m reading here. Are we really that barbaric as a society that we find pleasure and joy out of killing another person? Mentioning his victim wouldn’t have brought him back to life, just as killing Moreno won’t either. The death penalty may be fine to use in a society of barbarians and those who have no morals, but I am of the opinion that anyone who kills another except it be in self-defense or defense of others, is a murderer. I cannot believe that in either 6,000 years or 1 million years (depending on what you believe) we humans are still so sick and evil as to support, encourage, and even cheer the killing of another human being, whatever his crime.

I cannot believe some of the responses I’m reading here. Are we really that barbaric as a society that we find pleasure and joy out of killing another person? Mentioning his victim wouldn’t have brought him back to life, just as killing Moreno won’t either. The death penalty may be fine to use in a society of barbarians and those who have no morals, but I am of the opinion that anyone who kills another except it be in self-defense or defense of others, is a murderer. I cannot believe that in either 6,000 years or 1 million years (depending on what you believe) we humans are still so sick and evil as to support, encourage, and even cheer the killing of another human being, whatever his crime.

It is sad that this scumbag is still alive. It is sad that CNN finds it necessary to waste bandwidth on this piece of filth without even mentioning the name of the VICTIM!! Rot in hell Moreno!!!!!

The killing happened almost 20 years ago. Get over it. People change.

If it was a loved on of yours who made a mistake as an 18 year old kid, 20 years ago, would you be so quick to say, ” Fry him?”

Judge not lest ye be Judged.

I think this was a wake up call. For those who choose to make wrong decisions. No he didn’t say anything about the person who’s life he took but he did give light on making the transition to “GOD”. Everyone needs to pray.

And not a single word about the poor man he killed. What a disgusting specimen of humanity. Makes me wonder about 360’s values.

Prettty amazing – the point of view with its context.