Death Row Inmate Gouges Out Eyes in Disturbing Bid to Avoid Execution

A death row inmate in Texas, Andre Thomas, has gouged out his own eyes and consumed them in a desperate attempt to evade execution. Thomas, sentenced to death in 2005 for the brutal murders of his wife and two children, has a history of severe mental illness that has now raised questions about his competency to be executed.

In March 2023, Thomas was found bloodied in his cell after he removed his first eye and ingested it. This act of self-mutilation came just before his scheduled court appearance, as reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune. Thomas later removed his remaining eye, leaving him completely blind. His legal counsel argues that he believes these actions would prevent authorities from accessing his thoughts.

Thomas confessed to the murders of his estranged wife, Laura Christine Boren, their four-year-old son, and Boren’s 13-month-old daughter. He claimed that he acted under the instruction of God, perceiving the victims as demons. Following the murders, he also carved out the hearts of both children, according to reports from the Associated Press.

March 2023 saw a significant development when Judge Jim Fallon revoked Thomas’ execution warrant. This decision came after his legal team requested more time to evaluate his mental health and determine his competency for capital punishment. The Supreme Court has established that while capital punishment is permissible for individuals with severe mental disorders, the individual must be deemed competent to understand the reason for their execution.

Thomas’s attorney, Marie Levin, stated, “We are confident that when we present the evidence of Mr. Thomas’s incompetence, the court will agree that executing him would violate the Constitution.” She further emphasized the moral implications of executing someone with such severe mental health issues, describing Thomas as “one of the most mentally ill prisoners in Texas history.”

Following his self-inflicted injuries, Thomas received medical treatment before being transferred to a psychiatric ward within the prison. His trial attorney, Bobbie Peterson-Cate, expressed relief that he would finally receive the mental health care that had been sought since the beginning of his case.

Despite growing concerns about his mental health, including pleas for mercy from over 100 faith leaders, the prosecution has maintained a firm stance. J. Kerye Ashmore from the Grayson County District Attorney’s Office stated that they had not reviewed any reports or assessments related to Thomas’s mental condition, indicating a lack of awareness about the ongoing developments in the case.

As Thomas remains on death row, the complexities surrounding his mental health and the implications for capital punishment continue to unfold. The legal and ethical questions raised by his case serve as a stark reminder of the broader issues at play in the justice system, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals with severe mental health disorders.