Texas executes man 20 years after he strangled, stabbed a young mother to death

A man from Texas, who was found guilty of the brutal murder of a young mother and the subsequent act of setting her body on fire a little over twenty years ago, was ultimately put to death by lethal injection on Wednesday.

Moises Sandoval Mendoza, 41, was pronounced dead at the Huntsville state penitentiary at 6:40 p.m., according to The Associated Press.

Mendoza’s conviction stemmed from the tragic event in March of 2004 when he was charged with the murder of 20-year-old mother Rachelle O’Neil Tolleson. He then transported her body to a field located behind his residence, where it remained for multiple days, as confirmed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

U.S. Supreme Court justices on Wednesday denied Mendoza’s request for a stay of execution and a petition for a writ of certiorari, finding a previous appeals attorney who represented him did not fail to provide effective counsel, as alleged, according to the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP).

lethal injection table

Moises Sandoval Mendoza, 41, was executed by lethal injection on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)

Similarly, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles on Monday denied a request to commute his death sentence. The board previously declined to recommend clemency.

The TCADP, an advocacy organization aimed at ending the death penalty in Texas, claimed that over the last two decades behind bars, Mendoza “transformed from an impulsive, risk-taking, and self-centered late adolescent to an empathic man of faith who has a positive influence on those around him, including guards, chaplains, and wardens.”

He earned certificates in multiple self-improvement and faith-based programs and maintained meaningful relationships with his family, according to the TCADP.

Mendoza was the third person executed in Texas this year and the thirteenth person put to death nationwide.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

–>

You May Also Like
Pope Leo XIV’s brother reacts to his historic election: ‘There are no words’

Pope Leo XIV’s brother overwhelmed by his historic election

The sibling of the recently elected Pope Leo XIV, who made history…
The new Pope's bling: A £500,000 ring, priceless clifftop retreat, luxurious Vatican apartments and bullet-proof pope-mobile set to be bestowed on Leo XIV

Leo XIV to receive lavish gifts: £500,000 ring, cliff-top retreat, Vatican apartments, and bulletproof vehicle

The upcoming pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, is soon to acquire the invaluable…
Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass as pontiff in Sistine Chapel

Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, holds his first Mass as pontiff in the Sistine Chapel

CHICAGO (WLS) — Pope Leo XIV is just beginning his first full…
CBS Reveals ‘Yellowstone’ Spin-Off Starring Luke Grimes As Kayce Dutton

New TV Show Revealed by CBS: Luke Grimes to Star in Spin-Off of ‘Yellowstone’ as Kayce Dutton

Kayce Dutton rides again! Actor Luke Grimes, known for his role in…
Chicago police shooting in Hammond, Indiana leaves suspect dead after car crash near Dearborn Avenue and Gostlin Street: CPD

CPD reports a suspect killed in a car crash following a police shooting in Hammond, Indiana near Dearborn Avenue and Gostlin Street.

HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) — Chicago police shot and killed an aggravated battery…
Pope Leo XIV's has deep roots on Chicago's South Side and south suburbs, including teaching at St. Rita High School

Pope Leo XIV has strong connections to Chicago’s South Side and surrounding suburbs, where he worked as a teacher at St. Rita High School

CHICAGO (WLS) — Pope Leo and his family have a long history…
Chicago chef Felix Zepeda of Rosca collaborates with Pilsen panadería to sell bagels with Mexican twist; for sell at

Chef Felix Zepeda from Rosca in Chicago partners with a bakery in Pilsen to offer Mexican-inspired bagels for sale.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Like Chicago, Rosca is a melting pot of flavors…
ACM Awards 2025 red carpet: Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes and more

Red carpet event at ACM Awards 2025 featuring Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and other celebrities

Celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and others grace…
New Movies on Streaming: ‘Warfare,’ ‘The Luckiest Man In America,’ + More

Streaming Now: Discover the Latest Films – ‘Warfare,’ ‘The Luckiest Man In America,’ and More

This weekend, there are new movies to enjoy on Video on Demand…
Jennifer Aniston's 'stalker' shoots chilling glare in bizarre shirtless court photos after 'crashing' into her home

Shirtless Man Accused of Stalking Jennifer Aniston Gives Creepy Look in Court Photos After Allegedly Breaking into Her Home

Bizarrely, Jennifer Aniston’s alleged stalker showed up shirtless in court shortly after…
Jeffrey Rupnow, father of 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who killed 2 at Madison, Wisconsin religious school, faces felony charges

Father of Teen Accused of Madison Religious School Shooting Charged with Felonies

In Madison, Wisconsin, prosecutors recently pressed charges against a father whose teenage…
World leaders congratulate Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff

Meet Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova graduate, who expresses himself using symbolic and devout religious references.

Amidst a serene ambiance of quietude, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti addressed a…