In a shocking twist of events, Andre Thomas, a man on death row in Texas, has taken drastic measures to avoid execution. Convicted in 2005 for the horrific murders of his estranged wife and her two children, Thomas recently gouged out his own eyes and consumed them. His lawyers claim he believed this extreme act would stop the government from accessing his thoughts.
Thomas’s case already drew attention due to the shocking nature of his crimes, where he removed the hearts of his children, believing they were demons. His mental state has been in question throughout the trial, raising concerns about his competency for execution. A judge recently postponed his execution to allow for further psychological evaluation—prompting debates about mental health and capital punishment.
Backed by over 100 faith leaders who petitioned for leniency, his legal team is hopeful the evidence will prove his incompetence to face capital punishment. They argue that executing Thomas defies notions of humanity, given his severe mental illness. His lawyer described him as one of the “most mentally ill prisoners in Texas history” and unfit for execution.
Previously treated at a medical facility after consuming his first eye, Thomas now remains in a psychiatric unit within the prison system. Discussions around his case highlight critical issues about mental health care in the justice system, in stark contrast to the gruesome details that have captured public attention.