Edward Brian Capetillo

Case overview

Edward Brian Capetillo was a Latino male who was 17 years of age at the time of his arrest for the murder of Kimberly Williamson on January 16, 1995. Prior to the crime, Capetillo had no previous criminal record.

Timeline

• January 16, 1995 — Edward Capetillo, James Duke, Curtis Duke, Ryan Spillane, and Michael Wilson congregated at the Duke's apartment and later traveled to the home of Matt Vickers and others; Capetillo was involved in a robbery attempt that resulted in the shooting and deaths of Kimberley Williamson and Matt Vickers and injuries to Grant Barnett.
• December 21, 1995 — Capetillo was charged with the capital murder of Kimberley Williamson while in the course of robbing Grant Barnett and attempting to rob Matthew Vickers.
• January 31, 1996 — Capetillo was convicted of these offenses and sentenced to death.
• March 28, 1996 — Sentenced to death.
• June 24, 2005 — Commuted to life.

The offence

On the evening of January 16, 1995, Edward Capetillo, James Duke, Curtis Duke, Ryan Spillane, and Michael Wilson congregated at the Duke's apartment. Before Capetillo arrived, the group had been discussing various methods of obtaining money to allow James Duke to purchase marijuana. James Duke's suggestion of robbery was met with little support. Another suggestion was to sell Spillane's .38 caliber handgun and an electronic scale. Wilson suggested that a friend called Matt Vickers might be interested in purchasing both items. Wilson rang Matt Vickers to offer both items, but Vickers declined.

After the telephone conversation, Spillane suggested robbing Vickers, believing him to have both marijuana and $1,000. When Capetillo arrived, he agreed to join the others in robbing Vickers.

The group then drove to Vicker's house in a vehicle that James Duke had stolen earlier that week. That evening Vickers was at home with his 19 year old sister, Allison, her friend Kimberley Williamson who was staying at the Vickers' home, and Matt Vickers' friend Grant Barnett. The Vickers' father was away attending a business meeting.

Capetillo and the group drove to a park near the Vickers' home. Leaving his friends in the car, Wilson surveyed the house to ascertain who was in and their location within the house. Allison Vickers and Kimberly Williamson were upstairs in Williamson's room. Williamson was talking to her father on the phone when Capetillo, armed with a rifle, and another person entered the room and ordered them downstairs. Allison Vickers ran downstairs and managed to escape through the front door. She ran to a neighbour's house and called the police.

Capetillo sent Curtis Duke to search for Allison Vickers. Curtis Duke could not find her and returned to the house. Matt Vickers and Grant Barnett were ordered into a room on the ground floor with Kimberley Williamson. Capetillo demanded money and marijuana. Grant Barnett surrendered $18. Matt Vickers told Capetillo that he did not have any money or marijuana and demanded that Capetillo leave the house. An argument ensued between Capetillo and Matt Vickers.

At that point James Duke entered the room pointing a .38 caliber handgun at Grant Barnett. As the argument escalated, James Duke and Capetillo began shooting. Both Matt Vickers and Grant Barnett were shot. Kimberley Williamson ran into another room, where she tripped and fell. Capetillo chased her and shot her at least twice in the neck and chest. Capetillo fled the scene.

Kimberley Williamson and Matt Vickers died from their injuries. Grant Barnett survived despite being shot three times: once in the back by a .22 caliber bullet and twice with .38 caliber bullets.

Kimberley Williamson's autopsy revealed that she had been shot three times: in the neck behind her right ear, in the back, and through her arm into her chest. The autopsy also showed that the gun had on at least one occasion been placed directly against her before being discharged and that the weapon used was a .22 caliber rifle.

Matt Vickers was shot three times: in the forehead and wrist with a .22 caliber weapon and in the back with a .38 caliber weapon.

Investigation and charges

On December 21, 1995, Capetillo was charged with the capital murder of Kimberley Williamson, while in the course of robbing Grant Barnett and attempting to rob Matthew Vickers.

Trial

On January 31, 1996, Capetillo was convicted of these offenses and sentenced to death. Capetillo was 17 years old at the time of the crime. He was a student at Klein High School in Texas and had no adult criminal record.

The state's punishment evidence consisted primarily of a chronicle of disciplinary problems at school and in his neighborhood.

Sixteen witnesses testified on Capetillo's behalf at his trial, including his parents and some of his teachers, soccer teammates, and neighbors. They reported that Capetillo was quiet and respectful and spoke about his love for playing soccer.

A physician testified as an expert witness about the dangerous effects that LSD and cocaine have on a person's perceptions and actions.

A friend testified that he had seen Capetillo on the day of the offense and observed that Capetillo had been under the influence of LSD and cocaine.

Capetillo had joined the Navy's "Delayed Entry Program" in his senior year. His Navy recruitment officer testified that Capetillo had been a highly motivated and respectful member of the program.

Sentencing

Capetillo was sentenced to death in the Court of Harris County, Texas on January 31, 1996.

Appeals

No appeal information was provided.

Outcome

Capetillo was sentenced to death on March 28, 1996. The sentence was commuted to life on June 24, 2005.

Other details

Capetillo was described as having been arrested for the murder of Kimberly Williamson on January 16, 1995, with no previous criminal record prior to the crime.

A commentator stated: While we in no way seek to excuse Eddie's crime or minimize the pain and suffering endured by the victim and her family and friends, we believe that the state of Texas should not execute Eddie Capetillo for this crime.