In a grim culmination of over a decade of legal battles, Cedric Allen Ricks, 51, was executed by lethal injection on March 11, 2026, at the Huntsville Unit in Texas. Ricks had been on death row for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Roxan Sanchez, and her eight-year-old son, Anthony Figueroa, in 2013.
The execution took place at precisely 6:55 PM, marking the end of a harrowing chapter that began on May 1, 2013, when a domestic dispute escalated into a horrific act of violence. Ricks, armed with a knife, fatally attacked Sanchez and her son, leaving behind a scene of unimaginable tragedy.
Witnesses reported that the couple had been living in a seemingly stable household, but signs of turmoil had emerged. Ricks had appeared in court just a day prior, charged with assaulting Sanchez. The following day, the argument erupted into violence, claiming two lives and forever altering the course of a young survivor, Marcus Figueroa.
Marcus, then just 12, witnessed the brutal attack on his mother and brother. In a desperate act of survival, he mimicked the sounds of death to escape Ricks’ wrath. This chilling moment not only saved his life but also became a pivotal testimony in the trial that followed.
Ricks was apprehended after fleeing to Oklahoma, where he was arrested and charged with capital murder. His trial in Tarrant County revealed harrowing details of the crime, with Marcus bravely recounting his experience. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before convicting Ricks, who was sentenced to death on May 16, 2014.
For twelve long years, Ricks remained on death row, navigating a complex web of appeals that sought to overturn his conviction. His legal team raised multiple arguments, including claims of ineffective counsel and racial bias in jury selection. However, each appeal was met with rejection, leading to the eventual denial of a final emergency appeal just hours before his execution.
In a poignant final statement, Ricks addressed the grieving family of his victims, expressing remorse for the pain he caused. He specifically reached out to Marcus, now a young adult, acknowledging the profound impact of his actions. “I hate that you had to experience that,” Ricks said, his words echoing in the execution chamber.
The Huntsville Unit, known for its grim history of executions, witnessed yet another chapter in Texas’ contentious relationship with capital punishment. Ricks’ execution was the second in the state for 2026, underscoring the ongoing debates surrounding the death penalty in America.
As the clock struck 6:55 PM, Cedric Allen Ricks was pronounced dead, leaving behind a legacy entwined with tragedy and survival. The case serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences of violence and the resilience of those who endure its aftermath. Marcus Figueroa, now carrying the weight of his past, remains a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to survive even the most harrowing circumstances.