Warning: This article discusses sexual assault, which some readers may find distressing.
Moises Sandoval Mendoza’s final words have been disclosed following his execution by lethal injection. He was sentenced for the murder of Rachelle O’Neil Tolleson in 2004, a crime he committed when she was 20 years old.
At 40 years old, Mendoza was declared dead at 6:40 pm local time at the state prison in Huntsville, Texas, on Wednesday, April 23. He had been convicted for the murder of Tolleson in Farmersville, Texas, over two decades ago.
On the night of the incident, Tolleson was at her residence with her infant daughter, Avery, when Mendoza entered. The two left the baby alone to purchase cigarettes. While in his vehicle, Mendoza unexpectedly began to choke Tolleson, a detail noted in court documents.
He drove to a field close to his residence, where he sexually assaulted and strangled her again until he assumed she was deceased.
Mendoza initially left Tolleson’s body in the field. After being interrogated by police regarding her disappearance, he moved her remains to a secluded location, placing them in a pit, which he set ablaze in an attempt to eliminate fingerprints, as per his police confession.
Her body was later discovered by a passerby, leading to Mendoza’s conviction and death sentence.
Before his execution on Wednesday, Mendoza had the opportunity to address Tolleson’s family with his final words.
He expressed: “I am sorry for having robbed you of Rachelle’s life. To Avery … I robbed you of a mother. I’m sorry for that. I know nothing that I could ever say or do would ever make up for that. I want you to know I am sincere. I apologize.”
He also spoke to his own family, stating: “I’m well and at peace. You know that I’m well and everything is love.”
As reported by USA Today, Tolleson’s parents, Pam and Mark O’Neil, remembered her as a devoted mother to Avery.
During the sentencing, Pam addressed Mendoza, saying: “She wanted more than anything in life to watch her baby take her first steps, say her first word, and she’ll never get to hear her daughter call her Mommy.”
Greg Davis, former Collin County First Assistant District Attorney, remarked during the sentencing that Mendoza was ‘one of the most violent, sadistic men’ he had ever prosecuted.
If you are affected by any issues discussed in this article, you can reach out to The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), which is available 24/7, or chat online via online.rainn.org