Summary:
On Sunday, 26 August 2001, Hankins shot his 34-year-old wife,
Tammy, in the head with a .45-caliber pistol while she was
sleeping in their trailer home in Mansfield, near Fort Worth. The
next day, Hankins killed his stepchildren, Kevin, 12, and Ashley,
10, in the same manner.
They immediately suspected Hankins, because
police had repeatedly been summoned to the home in recent months
for domestic disturbances, fighting, and breaking and entering.
There was also evidence that Hankins engaged in sexual activity
with and around the dead bodies. His semen was found on the sheet
on Ashley's bed.
After his arrest on August 30 Hankins shocked
police by telling them where to find the decomposing bodies of his
father Earnie Hankins, 55, and his sister, Pearl "Sissy"
Stevenstar, 20, whom he killed 10 months earlier.
Hankins was convicted on overwhelming evidence.
Ashley had defensive wounds "all over her body" according to
prosecutors, and hair later proven to belong to Hankins was found
in her hand. In a note found near Ashley's body, Hankins wrote: "I
guess to sum it all up, I'm guilty of murder, incest, hatred,
fraud, theft, jealousy and envy." Hankins also wrote in a diary
Aug. 17 that he was contemplating the murders.
Citations:
Hankins v. State, 132 S.W.3d 380 (Tex.Cr.App. 2004) (Direct
Appeal).
Hankins v. Quarterman, 288 Fed.Appx. 952 (5th Cir. 2008)
(Habeas).
Final/Special Meal:
Fried chicken, pork chops, cheeseburgers, breaded fried okra,
French fries and brownies.
Final Words:
"Yes, I am sorry for what I've done and for all of the pain and
suffering that my actions have caused. Jesus is Lord. All glory to
God."