Matthew Johnson Executed for Brutal Murder of Garland Grandmother

Matthew Lee Johnson, 49, was executed today for the 2012 capital murder of 76-year-old Nancy Harris, a grandmother who worked at a convenience store in Garland, Texas. Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the execution, stating that Johnson received “the just punishment” for the “senseless, horrifying murder.”

In 2012, Johnson robbed the convenience store where Harris was employed, forcing her to open the register and stealing her rings, a lighter, two packs of cigarettes, and a bag of candy. He then doused Harris with bleach he had brought and set her on fire. Harris died several days later in the hospital as a result of her injuries.

Johnson was convicted of capital murder in 2013 and sentenced to death. Attorney General Paxton’s office actively worked to uphold this punishment throughout the appellate process.

“Mathew Johnson has been executed and received the just punishment for the senseless, horrifying murder of Nancy Harris. While nothing can restore the innocent life that was taken, he will never be able to hurt anyone again,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Vicious criminals must be held responsible for their actions, and I will never stop working to ensure that justice is done.”

Johnson was pronounced dead at 6:53 p.m. The execution was carried out by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville, Texas.