Jeffery Allen Barney

Case details

Jeffery Allen Barney was executed by lethal injection in Texas on April 16, 1986.

Background

Jeffrey Allen Barney was 28 years old and was an Ohio native. Barney had an extensive juvenile record. He had been released from jail for auto theft shortly before the murder. Pasadena minister John Longsworth befriended Barney when he was released and helped him find a job.

The offence

On November 24, 1981, while visiting the Longsworths’ home, Barney and Ruby Mae Longsworth, the minister’s wife, got into an argument that led to her death. Barney was convicted of repeatedly raping her before strangling her with a microphone cord.

Investigation

The microphone and cord that were still wrapped around the victim’s neck when she was discovered had Barney’s fingerprints on them. The prosecution proved that the victim was still alive when she was sexually assaulted, which allowed the case to be tried as capital murder while committing sexual assault.

Trial

During the trial, prosecuting attorney Donald Smyth described Barney as “a nice enough guy,” saying that he would occasionally joke around with them. Smyth also called him “a real talented artist.” Smyth described how Barney would sit at his table during the trial and draw very menacing pictures, consisting of grim reapers and graveyards. Smyth also noted that one of the headstones even had his name on it.

After the attorneys finished with their closing arguments and the jury left to deliberate, the trial took a turn for the worse. One of Barney’s fellow inmates tipped off prison officials that Barney had smuggled in two prison made knifes: one similar to an ice pick and the other, a razor blade melted into a Bic pen handle, into the trial. The plan was apparently to stab the guard, slit his throat and make an escape when everyone had left the courtroom. Thanks to the inmate, the plot was foiled.

Smyth used Barney’s confession and other physical evidence to obtain a conviction.

Sentencing

After being found guilty, Barney received his one mandatory appeal and demanded that no more appeals be filed, against the advice of his attorney, Mary Moore.

Freddie Weir, the prison chaplain, befriended Barney while he was in Harris County Prison. Barney asked Weir to be his spiritual advisor. Weir was the only outside person to have any interaction with Barney before he was put to death. Weir said that during the course of their meetings Barney accepted responsibility for his actions, accepted the Lord, and asked Him for forgiveness. Weir was quoted by the Houston Post as saying, “I mean, if someone had done that to my mother, there never would have been enough punishment.”

Appeals

Barney received his one mandatory appeal. He demanded that no more appeals be filed, against the advice of his attorney, Mary Moore.

Outcome

On April 16, 1986, Barney was led into the death chamber at about midnight and strapped to the gurney. He then said his last words and closed his eyes. He was administered the lethal injection and at 12:22 was pronounced dead.