Thomas Lee Ward

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Thomas Lee Ward (died March 16, 1996) was an American murderer. He was tried, convicted and executed by lethal injection in Louisiana for the murder of his stepfather-in-law John Spencer.

1 Overview
2 Trial
3 Execution
4 Sources

[edit] Overview

On the night of June 22, 1983, Ward claims he arrived in New Orleans from California by bus. He went to the residence of Lydia and John Spencer, the mother and stepfather of his wife. Ward's wife and children were also staying at the house. Ward was allowed into the house to visit his children. He asked and was allowed to bathe and freshen up. Ward learned that his wife had begun receiving welfare and the family was having some trouble with one of the daughters. Ward later claimed that this upset him, but rather than saying or doing anything rash, he left the house.

He then went to a local bar where he drank vodka and beer and "hit up" with cocaine. Ward returned to the house at approximately 5:30 a.m., asking to see his children one last time. After visiting with the children he gave his wife his address and phone number in New York, then went into the bedroom of his wife's mother and stepfather. He pulled out a gun, pointed it at John Spencer and said "I am sorry, John, I have to kill you." He then shot Spencer once at close range. As Lydia Spencer reached for her husband, Ward shot her in the stomach. When she turned around, he shot her in the back. Lydia Spencer ran for the door, trying to get out of the house. Ward followed her, striking her with three more shots. Linda Ward and her brother, Ernest Scott, heard the shooting and ran from the house to get help from the neighbors.

When police arrived, Ward walked up to the police officers, ostensibly to turn himself in. The police did not at first seize Ward, not yet knowing he was the alleged murderer. Ward claims the police shooed him away because he was drunk. After further investigation at the scene the police realized who Ward was and arrested him.

[edit] Trial

Ward was indicted by the Orleans Parish Grand Jury with first degree murder. On August 15, 1984, the jury at Ward's trial found the him guilty as charged. After a sentencing hearing, in which Ward testified, the jury unanimously recommended a sentence of death.

[edit] Execution

Ward was executed by lethal injection at the Louisiana State Penitentiary on March 16, 1995. He declined to make a final statement, but dictated to his attorney that "I am leaving the world at peace with myself and with the Almighty. I feel remorse for the things that I did. I hope that young people today will learn that violence is not an answer. I hope the legal system learns that lesson, too. The death penalty is not a solution." [1]