One of the reasons I write so frequently about executions on Texas’ Death Row is to remind people of the types of people that are being put to death.

Without exception they are people with no regard for the life or property of others, and often kill their victims in the most ruthless ways imaginable.

Men like Robert Martinez Perez (who was 35 at the time of his crimes) who will be executed tomorrow (March 6).

Perez is a member of and leader in the Mexican Mafia (a violent street gang in San Antonio, TX) who was convicted of:

On 04/17/94, in San Antonio, Texas, Perez fatally shot Jose Travieso and Robert Rivas numerous times with a .380 caliber pistol, a 9 millimeter pistol, and a .38 caliber pistol. The shooting was a result of an internal power struggle within the Mexican Mafia.

The two men that he killed were also members of the Mexican Mafia, albeit a different faction. So, there’s not a lot of sympathy for the victims in this instance. But Perez never should have had the opportunity to be a part of their murder:

In 1989, Perez was given a 10-year sentence for Attempted Voluntary Manslaughter with a Deadly Weapon (stabbed a 38-year old Hispanic male numerous times in the heart and stomach during a domestic disturbance). However, just one year later he was released on parole.

One year served for stabbing a man numerous times in the heart and stomach.

According to Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, Perez was reportedly responsible for many more murders in San Antionio, too:

In 1996, Perez and Robert Herrera, Perez’s right-hand man, controlled the gang. Just months after Travieso and Rivas were murdered, Adames was murdered. Perez not only ordered the hit, he had planned it. Additionally, Perez ordered the murders of several other people. Emilio Barrera Alejandro died as a result of 13 gunshot wounds, 11 to the head and 2 to the chest. Earnest Ybarra died as a result of 12 gunshot wounds. Adam Tenorio was killed because he disobeyed an order not to discuss the West French Place murders. He died as a result of 11 stab wounds. Robert De Los Santos was killed for the same reason as Tenorio. He died as a result of blunt force trauma and strangulation. Daniel Moreno was killed as an example to other members, having failed to perform some task he had volunteered to do. He died as a result of 2 gunshot wounds, one to the face and one to the chest. Elijilio De La Garza (“Chico”) died as a result of 11 gunshot wounds, including 5 to the head. De La Garza was the one who said that Perez had ordered the killings at West French Place. Presumably, he was killed for this reason.

That’s at least 7 other people whose deaths can be attributed to Perez.

Some people should never be allowed to breath the same air as the rest of the world. Perez is one such person.

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UPDATE — He’s dead:

Just before slipping into unconsciousness after the lethal dose began, Perez said he could “taste it.” Seven minutes later, at 6:17 p.m., he was pronounced dead.

I hope it tasted like shit.