Execution Date for Man Convicted of Killing Deputy

ATHENS � A former East Texas welder and oil field worker who was convicted of shooting and killing a Henderson County sheriff’s deputy now has an execution date. KETK reports the date was set less than two weeks after Randall Wayne Mays, 52, was denied his latest challenge to his conviction by the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Carter Tarrance of the Athens-based 392nd District Court set the execution date for March 18th, 2015. Tarrance, who presided over the trial, signed the execution order and death warrant on July 10th.

On May 17, 2007, Henderson County Sheriff�s deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call placed by a concerned neighbor who reported hearing gunshots at Mays� property. After appearing to cooperate with the deputies, Mays barricaded himself inside his house, where he used a high-powered rifle to shoot at officers. Mays mortally wounded Deputy Tony Price Ogburn, 61, before surrendering to officials. He is also accused of killing Investigator Paul Steven Habelt, 63, and wounding Deputy Kevin Harris during the standoff. The standoff occurred just hours after the three lawmen attended a local memorial service honoring fellow officers. Mays� criminal record includes previous arrests for public intoxication and assault of a public servant.