Texas Man Sentenced to Death for Killing Ex-Girlfriend and Her Boyfriend

Charles Victor Thompson faces execution for 1998 double murder in Tomball, Texas

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:39am

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Charles Victor Thompson, a 55-year-old Texas man, 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 his sentence was overturned and he was resentenced to death in 2005 after escaping from custody for three days.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around capital punishment in the United States, as well as the challenges of domestic violence and the lasting impact on victims' families. Thompson's escape from custody also raises questions about jail security and the treatment of death row inmates.

The details

According to court records, Thompson and Hayslip had been in a romantic relationship for a year before splitting up, with Thompson becoming "increasingly possessive, jealous and abusive." On the night of the killings, 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 in the hospital a week later. Thompson's attorneys have argued that Hayslip's death was due to medical negligence, not the gunshot wound, but a jury has already rejected this claim.

  • The murders occurred in April 1998.
  • Thompson was originally sentenced to death in 1998.
  • Thompson's death sentence was overturned, and he was resentenced to death in November 2005.
  • Thompson escaped from custody for three days shortly after being resentenced in 2005.
  • Thompson is scheduled to be executed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Charles Victor Thompson

A 55-year-old Texas man who was sentenced to death for the 1998 murders of his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend.

Glenda Dennise Hayslip

Thompson's 39-year-old ex-girlfriend who was killed in the 1998 shooting.

Darren Keith Cain

Hayslip's 30-year-old new boyfriend who was also killed in the 1998 shooting.

Harris County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who have argued that Thompson is responsible for Hayslip's death under state law.

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What they’re saying

“The Hayslip and Cain families have waited over twenty-five years for justice to occur.”

— Harris County District Attorney's Office, Prosecutors (Court filings)

“If he had been able to raise a reasonable doubt as to the cause of Ms. Hayslip's death, he would not be guilty of capital murder.”

— Thompson's attorneys (Court filings)

What’s next

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to stay Thompson's execution, which is scheduled for Wednesday evening.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around capital punishment and the lasting impact of domestic violence, as well as the challenges of ensuring justice and security in the criminal justice system.