Bio

Michael Wayne Richard was born on August 24, 1959, in Texas. He grew up in a troubled household. His father was a long-haul truck driver who had a history of alcohol and drug abuse. This led to an environment of violence and fear at home. Richard's father was known to be quick to anger, often taking out his frustrations on Richard's mother and their children.

As a child, Richard faced many difficulties. He was a premature baby and spent much time in the hospital due to health issues like asthma and allergies. He struggled in school, often receiving low grades and not advancing past the ninth grade. This lack of education would follow him throughout his life.

Richard also experienced severe emotional and physical abuse. His father would often beat him and his siblings. Richard, being the youngest child, was favored by his mother, which angered his father. Richard's home life was filled with turmoil and fear, shaping his early years in a negative way.

At the age of 14, Richard left home for good after enduring yet another violent encounter with his father. Many of his siblings also ran away at a young age due to the harsh conditions they faced at home.

In his late teens, Richard began to encounter trouble with the law. He first went to prison in 1978 after being convicted of burglary. He served a six-year sentence but was paroled after three years. He returned to prison in 1985 for auto theft and other charges, serving another brief term before being released in June 1986.

Murder Story

On August 18, 1986, Michael Wayne Richard approached Marguerite Lucille Dixon's son, Albert, outside their home in Hockley, Texas. Richard asked Albert if a yellow van parked in the driveway was for sale. Albert explained that the van belonged to a brother who was out of town and suggested Richard come back later. After Albert and his sister, Paula, left the home, Richard returned and entered the house.

Once inside, Richard stole two television sets and sexually assaulted Marguerite Dixon. He then fatally shot her in the head using a .25 caliber automatic pistol. After committing these acts, Richard took the stolen televisions and the van. He drove to Houston, where he attempted to sell the televisions and ended up trading the murder weapon for cocaine.

The following day, Marguerite's children returned home to find the house in disarray. They discovered their mother’s body in her bed. A police investigation led to Richard’s arrest the next evening at his mother's home. Richard admitted to being involved in Marguerite's murder and helped the police locate the gun used in the shooting. His fingerprints were also found on the sliding glass door of the Dixon home.

Michael Richard was convicted of capital murder in September 1987 and sentenced to death. He received a new trial in 1995, where he was again convicted and sentenced. Richard's death sentence was affirmed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 1997. Numerous appeals were filed over the years, including claims of mental retardation, but all were denied.

On September 25, 2007, Michael Wayne Richard was executed by lethal injection. His last meal request included fried chicken, a salad, lemon-lime soda, apple pie, and a pint of ice cream. Before his execution, he made a final statement expressing love for his family and noted, "I guess this is it." He was pronounced dead shortly after the lethal substances were administered.