By BJ Austin
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-744723.mp3
Dallas, TX – Texas Seven prison escapee Michael Rodriguez was put to death last night in Huntsville for the Christmas Eve, 2000, murder of Irving Police Officer Aubrey Hawkins. Dozens of Police Officers stood vigil in support of the fallen officer's family.
Officer Aubrey Hawkins was gunned down as the seven prison escapees robbed an Oshman's Sporting Goods store. Lowell Cannaday was Irving Police Chief then and was among the large group of officers in Huntsville. He spoke to KERA from outside the death chamber.
Cannaday: It has a very definite impact on me personally, and on the family, and on the police family. It's one of those times in life that you never forget. You never stop feeling the sorrow that goes with it. It was one of the most horrible murders that I believe I've ever seen in my police career, and I've been doing this a long time.
Michael Rodriguez, 45, was the first of six on death row in this case to be put to death. A seventh escapee committed suicide rather than face capture.