James Demouchette was born on May 20, 1955, in Bexar County, Texas. His early life was marked by extreme behavioral problems and acts of violence. As a child, he displayed disturbing tendencies toward cruelty and destruction—setting fires and killing stray animals, behaviors often linked to early signs of sociopathy. His conduct issues led to repeated failures in school, and he spent time in a Texas state school for juvenile delinquents.

Demouchette’s delinquency escalated during adolescence. He was reported to have killed another boy while still a minor, an act that resulted in time spent in custody. After his release, his criminal record grew, including arrests for burglary and larceny. By adulthood, Demouchette had developed a reputation as volatile, dangerous, and incapable of sustaining lawful employment or relationships.

On October 17, 1976, James Demouchette and his younger brother, Christopher, went to a Pizza Hut in Houston, Texas. At the restaurant, they encountered Geoff Hambrick, the manager, and two employees, Scott Sorrell and Robert “Chuck” White. When the brothers were asked to leave because it was close to closing time, James pulled out a .380 caliber revolver and began shooting. Scott Sorrell and Chuck White were killed in the shooting. Geoff Hambrick was shot in the head but survived by pretending to be dead. After the shooting, the brothers took money from the back office and left.

The Demouchette brothers were arrested shortly after the incident. Hambrick identified them as the shooters and testified against them in court. In 1977, James was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death. Christopher received a life sentence but was not sentenced to death. He passed away in 2018.

In 1981, James’ death sentence was canceled by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals because he had not been advised of his right to remain silent. At a new trial in 1983, James was sentenced to death again. Later, while in prison, he fatally stabbed fellow inmate Johnny E. Swift sixteen times with a homemade knife. This act resulted in an additional life sentence for James, while his death sentences remained in effect.

In the months that followed, James committed further violence in prison. He attacked two other inmates, both of whom survived. He also set fires in his cell and raped a cellmate. As a result of his violent behavior, media attention grew, and he earned the nickname "The Meanest Man on Death Row."

On January 6, 1988, James attacked three corrections officers with a homemade knife during a search for weapons in his cell. None of the officers were severely hurt.

Finally, James' execution was set for September 22, 1992. His lawyers tried to get the Supreme Court to review his case, but their request was denied. On that day, James was executed by lethal injection and did not give any last words. He spent a total of fifteen years on death row.