Huntsville, Texas, January 29, 2026
Charles Victor Thompson was executed by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas, for the 1998 murders of his former girlfriend and her new boyfriend. In his final moments, Thompson expressed remorse and apologized to the victims’ families, highlighting that there are no winners in such tragic circumstances. This execution marks a significant event in the United States as it is the first of the year.
Huntsville, Texas
Charles Victor Thompson Executed for 1998 Double Murder
Charles Victor Thompson, 55, was executed by lethal injection on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. He was condemned for the 1998 shooting deaths of his former girlfriend, Glenda Dennise Hayslip, and her new boyfriend, Darren Keith Cain. Thompson’s execution marks the first in the United States this year.
Final Moments and Message
Thompson was pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m. CST. In his final statement, he apologized to the families of his victims and asked for their forgiveness, stating his hope that they could begin to heal and move past the tragedy. He also conveyed that there are no winners in such a situation and that his execution would create more victims and trauma 28 years later. Darren Cain’s mother, Valerie Cain, acknowledged Thompson’s apology, noting that he had not admitted the crime previously.
Details of the Crime
Thompson was sentenced to death in April 1999 for the murders that occurred on April 30, 1998. On that morning, after a prior domestic disturbance where police had escorted him away, Thompson returned to Hayslip’s apartment in Tomball, a Houston suburb, forced entry, and fatally shot Glenda Dennise Hayslip, 39, and Darren Keith Cain, 30. Cain died at the scene, and Hayslip succumbed to her injuries a week later in the hospital.
Noteworthy Escape
Thompson’s case gained nationwide attention in November 2005 when he escaped from a Harris County jail following a resentencing trial. He remained at large for three days during a manhunt before being captured in Shreveport, Louisiana. Thompson is noted as the only American death row inmate to have successfully escaped a correctional facility in the 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Huntsville, Texas, on January 28, 2026?
On January 28, 2026, Charles Victor Thompson, 55, was executed by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. This was for the 1998 shooting deaths of his former girlfriend, Glenda Dennise Hayslip, and her new boyfriend, Darren Keith Cain.
Who was Charles Victor Thompson?
Charles Victor Thompson was a 55-year-old convicted double murderer who was executed in Texas on January 28, 2026. He was condemned for the April 1998 shooting deaths of Glenda Dennise Hayslip and Darren Keith Cain.
What was Charles Victor Thompson’s message before his execution?
Before his execution, Charles Victor Thompson apologized to the families of his victims and asked for their forgiveness, stating his hope that they could begin to heal and move past the tragedy. He also conveyed that there are no winners in such a situation and that his execution would create more victims and trauma 28 years later.
What were the crimes Charles Victor Thompson was executed for?
Charles Victor Thompson was executed for the April 30, 1998, shooting deaths of his former girlfriend, Glenda Dennise Hayslip, 39, and her new boyfriend, Darren Keith Cain, 30, in Tomball, a Houston suburb.
Did Charles Victor Thompson ever escape custody?
Yes, Charles Victor Thompson escaped from a Harris County jail in November 2005 after a resentencing trial. He was captured three days later in Shreveport, Louisiana, after a nationwide manhunt. He is noted as the only American death row inmate to have successfully escaped a correctional facility in the 21st century.
Key Features of the Execution
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Executed Individual | Charles Victor Thompson, 55 | State-level |
| Execution Date | January 28, 2026 | State-level |
| Location | Huntsville Unit, Huntsville, Texas | State-level |
| Method | Lethal Injection | State-level |
| Crimes | Double murder of Glenda Dennise Hayslip and Darren Keith Cain on April 30, 1998 | State-level |
| Final Message Summary | Apology and request for forgiveness to victims’ families, acknowledgment of no winners and perpetuated trauma. | State-level |
| Prior Escape | Escaped Harris County jail in November 2005, captured after three days. | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
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