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Huntsville Today
By the People, for the People
Texas Man Executed for Killing Girlfriend and Her Young Son
Cedric Ricks apologized to the surviving son who witnessed the attack
Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:30am
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Cedric Ricks, 51, was executed in Texas on Wednesday evening for the 2013 fatal stabbing of his girlfriend Roxann Sanchez and her 8-year-old son Anthony Figueroa. Ricks also stabbed Sanchez's 12-year-old son Marcus Figueroa 25 times, but he survived by feigning death. Ricks apologized repeatedly to the victims' relatives, especially Marcus Figueroa, who witnessed the execution.
Why it matters
This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the trauma experienced by children who witness such horrific crimes. It also raises questions about the death penalty and whether it serves as an effective deterrent for such violent acts.
The details
According to prosecutors, the attack occurred after Ricks and Sanchez were arguing in their apartment in Bedford, Texas. When Sanchez's two sons tried to intervene, Ricks grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Roxann Sanchez multiple times. He then killed 8-year-old Anthony Figueroa and began stabbing 12-year-old Marcus Figueroa, who played dead until Ricks left the apartment. Ricks did not harm his own 9-month-old son who was also present.
- The attack occurred in May 2013.
- Ricks was executed on March 12, 2026.
The players
Cedric Ricks
A 51-year-old Texas man who was executed for the 2013 murders of his girlfriend and her young son.
Roxann Sanchez
A 30-year-old woman who was fatally stabbed by Ricks, her boyfriend, in 2013.
Anthony Figueroa
Roxann Sanchez's 8-year-old son who was killed by Ricks during the attack.
Marcus Figueroa
Roxann Sanchez's 12-year-old son who survived the attack by Ricks by feigning death, and witnessed Ricks' execution.
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 trauma experienced by children who witness such horrific crimes. It raises important questions about the death penalty and whether it serves as an effective deterrent for such violent acts.
