Bio

John Russell Thompson was born on January 27, 1955, in Texas. He grew up in a family with a mother named Etta and a father named John. He was raised alongside his siblings, including a brother named James and a sister named Joetta. As a child, Thompson had a typical upbringing; however, there were signs that his teenage years would lead him down a troubled path.

In 1972, Thompson was convicted of felony theft, which led to a probation sentence. Despite this, he did not change his ways. He was convicted again in 1974 for burglary of a habitation and felony theft, which resulted in a prison term of five to six years.

During his early years as an adult, Thompson struggled with substance abuse, primarily alcohol and methamphetamine. His family suspected that he had quit using drugs in the years leading up to his crimes, but he remained in and out of the legal system. By the mid-1970s, Thompson found himself living in San Antonio, where he was known to associate with others involved in criminal activities.

In his early thirties, Thompson retained his criminal habits and continued to engage in illegal activities. His background of theft and violence set the stage for the crimes that would later define his legacy.

Murder Story

On May 15, 1977, John Russell Thompson attempted to rob a store in Bexar County, Texas. Thompson had planned the robbery with three accomplices. They first tried to rob a savings and loan and then an apartment complex, but both locations were closed. Desperate for money to buy drugs, they decided to go to the Pioneer Store and Lock facility.

Thompson entered the store where the manager, Mary Kneupper, was present. He demanded cash from her. A struggle ensued, and during this confrontation, he shot her in the neck with a .45 caliber pistol. After the shooting, Thompson fled the store without taking any money.

A neighbor heard the gunshot and alerted the police. Mary Kneupper was taken to the hospital but unfortunately died from her injuries. Thompson was later arrested in Plano, Texas, during a robbery. He was charged with the murder of Mary Kneupper.

After being convicted of capital murder, Thompson faced a series of appeals but ultimately was sentenced to death. The courts denied his appeals, and he was executed by lethal injection in Texas on July 8, 1987.