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Huntsville Today
By the People, for the People
Texas man executed for fatally stabbing girlfriend and her son
Cedric Ricks apologized to the surviving son who witnessed the attack
Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:33am
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Cedric Ricks, 51, was executed in Texas for fatally stabbing his girlfriend Roxann Sanchez and her 8-year-old son Anthony Figueroa in 2013. Sanchez's 12-year-old son Marcus Figueroa was stabbed 25 times but survived by feigning death. Ricks apologized repeatedly to the victims' relatives, especially Marcus Figueroa, before being put to death by lethal injection.
Why it matters
This case highlights the tragic impact of domestic violence and the lasting trauma experienced by survivors. It also raises questions about the death penalty and whether it serves as an effective deterrent for such violent crimes.
The details
On the night of the killings, Ricks and Sanchez were arguing in their apartment when Sanchez's two sons from a previous marriage tried to intervene. Ricks then grabbed a knife from the kitchen and fatally stabbed Sanchez and Anthony Figueroa. Marcus Figueroa ran to his bedroom closet and played dead until Ricks left, after which he was also stabbed 25 times but survived. Ricks did not harm his own 9-month-old son who was also present.
- The killings occurred in May 2013.
- Ricks was executed on March 12, 2026, nearly 13 years after the murders.
The players
Cedric Ricks
A 51-year-old Texas man who was executed for fatally stabbing his girlfriend and her 8-year-old son in 2013.
Roxann Sanchez
Ricks' 30-year-old girlfriend who was killed in the 2013 attack.
Anthony Figueroa
Roxann Sanchez's 8-year-old son who was also killed in the 2013 attack.
Marcus Figueroa
Roxann Sanchez's 12-year-old son who survived the 2013 attack by feigning death.
What they’re saying
“I want to say that I'm sorry for taking Roxann and Anthony from y'all. I'm glad to be able to speak to tell y'all that face to face.”
— Cedric Ricks
“I always thought about you and I'm sorry that I took your mom and your brother away. I hate that you had to experience that, I just can't imagine, but I'm truly sorry for what I've done, and I wish y'all peace and joy as much as you can but I'm sorry, that's all I can say.”
— Cedric Ricks
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the lasting trauma experienced by survivors. It raises difficult questions about the role of the death penalty and whether it serves as an effective deterrent for such violent crimes.
