Texas Man Faces Execution for Killing Ex-Girlfriend and Her Boyfriend

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A Texas man named Charles Victor Thompson is scheduled to be executed on Wednesday for the 1998 murders of his ex-girlfriend Glenda Dennise Hayslip and her new boyfriend Darren Keith Cain. Thompson was previously sentenced to death for the killings, but had his sentence overturned and was resentenced to death in 2005 after escaping from custody for three days.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the death penalty in the United States, particularly in Texas which has historically carried out the most executions of any state. Thompson's case also raises questions about domestic violence, the criminal justice system's handling of such cases, and the role of mental health issues.

The details

According to court records, Thompson and Hayslip had been in a relationship for a year before splitting up, with Thompson becoming "increasingly possessive, jealous and abusive." In April 1998, Thompson went to Hayslip's apartment, argued with her new boyfriend Cain, and was told to leave by police. Thompson returned three hours later and fatally shot both Hayslip and Cain. Hayslip died a week later from her injuries. Thompson was sentenced to death, but had his sentence overturned. He was resentenced to death in 2005 after escaping custody for three days.

• In April 1998, the murders of Glenda Dennise Hayslip and Darren Keith Cain took place.
• In 2005, Thompson was resentenced to death after escaping custody for three days.
• On Wednesday, Thompson is scheduled to be the first person executed in the U.S. in 2026.

What’s next

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to stay Thompson's execution.