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 Delivers Final Statement, Calls Execution '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 Executed by Lethal Injection in Huntsville, Texas
Travis Mullis is executed by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas.
May 2024 — 1 developments
Death Warrant Issued for Travis Mullis; Execution Set for September 24, 2024
A death warrant is issued, scheduling Travis Mullis's execution for September 24, 2024.
December 2023 — 1 developments
5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirms Mullis competently waived appeals
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 Mullis was not mentally competent to waive appeals
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
Federal Judge Dismisses Mullis's Petition, Citing Competent Waiver of Appeal Rights
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 Expresses Desire to Fast-Track Execution, Forgo Appeals
Mullis again expresses his desire to fast-track his execution and forgo remaining appeals.
July 2013 — 1 developments
Mullis Files Federal Appeal, Citing Ineffective Trial Counsel
Mullis changes his mind and files a federal appeal, arguing ineffective trial counsel.
April 2012 — 1 developments
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Grants Mullis's Request to Waive Appeal Rights
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
Jury sentences Travis Mullis to death
The jury sentences Travis Mullis to death.
Jury finds Mullis guilty of capital murder
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 extradited to Texas, charged with capital murder
Mullis is extradited to Texas and formally charged with capital murder.
Mullis surrenders to Philadelphia police, confesses to murder
Mullis surrenders to police in Philadelphia and confesses to the murder.
January 2008 — 1 developments
Married Couple Discovers Alijah Mullis's Body Along Seawall Boulevard
Alijah Mullis's body is discovered by a married couple along Seawall Boulevard in Galveston.