Texas Set to Execute Charles Thompson in 1998 Double Murder, First U.S. Execution of 2026
Charles Thompson, convicted of the 1998 killings of his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend, is scheduled to be executed in Texas and would be the first person put to death in the United States in 2026. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied his clemency request Monday; Thompson, who escaped custody for three days in 2005 by slipping cuffs and an orange jumpsuit and using a makeshift badge from his ID, later described briefly being able to "smell the trees" and feel the wind during the run.
đź“Ś Key Facts
- Charles Thompson is slated to be executed in Texas for a 1998 double murder.
- If carried out, Thompson’s execution would be the first in the United States in 2026.
- The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied Thompson’s clemency request on Monday.
- Thompson described his 2005 escape as slipping his cuffs and an orange jumpsuit and using a badge he fashioned from his ID.
- He said he spent three days on the run and recalled “smell the trees” and feeling the wind during that time.
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January 28, 2026
12:45 PM
Texas man slated to be first person executed in U.S. this year, for double murder
New information:
- Confirms that if carried out, Thompson’s execution will be the first in the United States this year.
- Reiterates that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied Thompson’s clemency request on Monday.
- Details Thompson’s own description of his 2005 escape — slipping cuffs and an orange jumpsuit, using a badge fashioned from his ID, and his comments about 'smell the trees' and feeling the wind during his three days on the run.