Kenneth Mc Duff - Trial and Execution

Trial and Execution

McDuff was indicted on one count of capital murder for the death of Melissa Northrup in McLennan County, Texas, on June 26, 1992. He was found guilty. In Texas, juries determine whether or not an individual convicted of capital murder receives life imprisonment or the death penalty.

On February 18, 1993, the jury, in a special punishment hearing, opted to sentence him to death. His case was automatically taken to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which affirmed the sentence on April 28, 1997.

McDuff filed a writ of certiorari to the US Supreme Court, but this was rejected on January 12, 1998. A state writ of habeas corpus was also rejected on April 15, 1998.

On April 29, 1998, the original court of sentencing in McLennan County set the execution date as October 21, 1998. However, on July 8, McDuff filed a federal writ of habeas corpus. This had the effect of delaying his execution as his case was considered again.

Finally, on October 15, 1998, the Western District Court denied habeas corpus relief and rescheduled the execution date for November 17, 1998. He filed a Notice of Appeal on October 23, but on October 26 his request for a certificate of appealability was denied by the Western District Court, and he was duly executed on November 17. He gave up Colleen Reed's burial location a couple of weeks before his execution.

McDuff is buried in the Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery, also known as "Peckerwood Hill," in Huntsville, Texas. Prisoners buried there are those whose family choose not to claim their remains. His headstone contains only his date of execution, 11-17-98, as well as a "X" meaning he was executed by the State of Texas, and the number 99905. His final meal according to death row chef Brian Price was a hamburger fashioned to resemble his request of a steak.