Billy C. Gardner was convicted of killing a cafeteria supervisor at Lake Highlands High School in Dallas. The victim was counting the day's receipts in a back room when she was confronted by Gardner and shot in the chest with a .357-caliber pistol. Gardner fled with about $1,600; the victim died 11 days later.
Billy Conn Gardner, said in a brief final statement before execution, "I forgive all of you, and I hope God forgives all of you all." His mother, Nettie Gardner, replied, "I've never been more proud of you than I am now." Mr. Gardner's relatives hugged and sobbed. His sister, Betsy Gray, said afterward: "My brother was convicted of a crime he did not commit. Tonight, once again, the State of Texas has committed cold-blooded murder. They are mass-murdering people here almost as bad as if we're in a war."