TX v. Travis Mullis [Execution]
Travis Mullis was executed on September 24, 2024, for the 2008 capital murder of his 3-month-old son, Alijah. Mullis sexually assaulted, strangled, and stomped on his infant son, crushing his skull, before disposing of the body. Following his arrest and confession, he was convicted and sentenced to death in 2011. Throughout the appeals process, Mullis repeatedly wavered on his decision to pursue appeals, at times requesting to fast-track his execution, which his attorneys argued was due to his profound mental illness. However, courts ultimately ruled that he was competent to waive his appeals, leading to his execution.
Timeline
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September 2024 — 2 developments
Travis Mullis delivered a final statement before his execution, expressing remorse for his actions and referring to his execution as a form of "assisted suicide.
Travis Mullis delivered a final statement before his execution, expressing remorse for his actions and referring to his execution as a form of "assisted suicide."
Travis Mullis is executed by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas.
Travis Mullis is executed by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas.
May 2024 — 1 developments
A death warrant is issued, scheduling Travis Mullis's execution for September 24, 2024.
A death warrant is issued, scheduling Travis Mullis's execution for September 24, 2024.
December 2023 — 1 developments
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirms the lower court's decision, concluding Mullis competen…
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirms the lower court's decision, concluding Mullis competently waived his appeals.
June 2023 — 1 developments
Mullis's attorney argues before the 5th U.
Mullis's attorney argues before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that Mullis was not mentally competent to waive his appeals.
January 2021 — 1 developments
A federal district court judge dismisses Mullis's federal petition, ruling that he had competently waived his rights to appeal.
A federal district court judge dismisses Mullis's federal petition, ruling that he had competently waived his rights to appeal.
July 2018 — 1 developments
Mullis again expresses his desire to fast-track his execution and forgo remaining appeals.
Mullis again expresses his desire to fast-track his execution and forgo remaining appeals.
July 2013 — 1 developments
Mullis changes his mind and files a federal appeal, arguing ineffective trial counsel.
Mullis changes his mind and files a federal appeal, arguing ineffective trial counsel.
April 2012 — 1 developments
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals grants Mullis's request to waive his right to appeal, his first attempt to forgo appeals.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals grants Mullis's request to waive his right to appeal, his first attempt to forgo appeals.
March 2011 — 3 developments
The jury sentences Travis Mullis to death.
The jury sentences Travis Mullis to death.
A jury finds Mullis guilty of capital murder after deliberating for one hour.
A jury finds Mullis guilty of capital murder after deliberating for one hour.
Travis Mullis's capital murder trial begins in Galveston County.
Travis Mullis's capital murder trial begins in Galveston County.
February 2008 — 2 developments
Mullis is extradited to Texas and formally charged with capital murder.
Mullis is extradited to Texas and formally charged with capital murder.
Mullis surrenders to police in Philadelphia and confesses to the murder.
Mullis surrenders to police in Philadelphia and confesses to the murder.
January 2008 — 1 developments
Alijah Mullis's body is discovered by a married couple along Seawall Boulevard in Galveston.
Alijah Mullis's body is discovered by a married couple along Seawall Boulevard in Galveston.